Daveigh Chase, star of ‘The Ring’ and ‘Lilo & Stitch,’ dies at 35

She last appeared on screen in the 2016 films Jack Goes Home and American Romance

Published Jun 18, 2026  •  Last updated 7 minutes ago  •  2 minute read

Actress Daveigh Chase attends Nylon Magazine 12th Anniversary Issue Party with the "Sucker Punch" cast at Tru Hollywood on March 24, 2011 in Hollywood, Calif. Photo by Frederick M. Brown /Getty Images

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Daveigh Chase, who starred in The Ring and Lilo & Stitch, has died. She was 35.

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The actress’ boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, told TMZ that she died on Tuesday from meningitis and a blood infection that caused septic issues.

The outlet also reported that Chase was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital for malnutrition earlier this month, as the former actress’ friends searched for her on Skid Row in the months before her passing.

Her friends told the outlet that Chase had dropped to as little as 75 pounds and wanted to find her and get her help, but they were never able to track her down.

Hernandez had launched a GoFundMe campaign in his girlfriend’s final days, noting her “painful falling out” with family and her deteriorating health issues.

“Her condition has become critical, and the doctors have told me she may not have much time left,” he wrote. “All she ever wanted was a place where we could live together, feel safe, and be happy. Now, more than ever, I want to give her that sense of home and peace in her final days.”

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Daveigh Chase and her supposed boyfriend? (GoFundMe) GoFundMe

Controversy brewing

However, new questions have emerged about Hernandez’s fundraising campaign.

Chase’s former manager and longtime friend told TMZ that her friends had raised concerns about the GoFundMe, and are urging the public to proceed with caution before donating.

“Neither her family nor her close friends know who this person is,” John Ryan told the outlet.

“I can confirm Daveigh has a SAG trust account with more than enough funds to cover all medical and related expenses,” he continued, adding that Chase’s father had already contacted the hospital to claim his daughter’s body.

Chase began her acting career in episodes of Sabrina the Teenage Witch, ER, Charmed and The Practice before playing Jake Gyllenhaal’s sister in 2001’s Donnie Darko.

Her big breakthrough came the following year when she voiced Lilo Pelekai in the beloved Disney classic Lilo & Stitch before playing Samara Morgan, the girl at the terrifying centre of The Ring.

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Along with the Lilo & Stitch series and sequels, Chase’s other notable roles include Big Love, the Fox sitcom Oliver Beene, and Spirited Away.

She last appeared on screen in the 2016 films Jack Goes Home and American Romance.

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