Former Child Actor Daveigh Chase’s Death Attributed to AIDS

Former child actor Daveigh Chase, known for her voice role as Lilo in Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch,” passed away on June 16. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office reported that AIDS was the cause of death. Chase, who was 35 at the time, had her last name recorded as Schwallier in the examiner’s records.

“Chronic polysubstance abuse” was also noted under significant conditions. Chase had a notable career with performances like the iconic villain Samara in the 2002 horror film “The Ring,” for which she won an MTV Movie Award. She also voiced a lead character in “Spirited Away” and appeared in “Donnie Darko” and “Oliver Beene.”

After her death in a Los Angeles hospital, her father, John David Schwallier, confirmed to The New York Times that she succumbed to complications from bacterial meningitis and a blood infection. At the time of her passing, Chase was homeless in Los Angeles, living with her boyfriend. Her father shared that she had struggled with drug use since age 13 and was estranged from her divorced parents.

In communication with The Associated Press regarding the AIDS diagnosis, Schwallier acknowledged, “I know with her lifestyle that was probably the conclusion, so I’m not surprised.” Expressing sorrow over her passing, he remarked, “It would’ve been nice for all of you to find her and try and help her; that would’ve been a nicer story than this.”

Chase’s career began early, auditioning for the role of Lilo at age 8. Born in Las Vegas and raised in Albany, Oregon, she started singing and dancing at the age of 3, as noted on her IMDb profile.