LOS ANGELES, CA. (THECOUNT) — Daveigh Chase, 35, the former child actress best known for voicing Lilo in Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch,” portraying Samara Morgan in the horror film “The Ring,” and starring as Rhonda Volmer in HBO’s “Big Love,” has reportedly died following medical complications, according to statements attributed to her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez.
According to reports, Chase died Tuesday after suffering from meningitis and a blood infection that reportedly led to sepsis and multiple organ failure.
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Hernandez told TMZ that Chase’s condition deteriorated after she was hospitalized earlier this month.
Reports indicate the actress had been admitted to a Los Angeles-area hospital due to malnutrition before experiencing additional health complications.
No official statement from medical authorities had been released as of publication.
Chase first gained national attention as a child performer during the early 2000s, becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognizable young actresses through a combination of voice acting and live-action roles.
Her breakthrough came in 2002 when she voiced Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s animated hit “Lilo & Stitch.”
The film became a worldwide success and remains one of Disney’s most beloved modern animated features.
Chase later reprised the role in television adaptations of the franchise, helping introduce the character to a new generation of viewers.
That same year, she voiced Chihiro Ogino in the English-language version of the Academy Award-winning Japanese animated film “Spirited Away,” which further elevated her profile among audiences worldwide.
Perhaps her most memorable live-action role came when she portrayed Samara Morgan in the 2002 supernatural horror blockbuster “The Ring.”
The chilling performance earned widespread acclaim and helped make Samara one of the most recognizable horror villains of the decade.
Chase received an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain for her portrayal.
As she matured as an actress, Chase expanded her career into dramatic television roles.
Beginning in 2006, she joined the cast of HBO’s “Big Love,” appearing as Rhonda Volmer throughout much of the series’ run.
Her character became a significant part of the show’s storyline, and Chase appeared in 32 episodes over five seasons.
Additional acting credits included appearances in “Donnie Darko,” “ER,” “Mercy,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” and “Beethoven’s 5th.”
Throughout her career, Chase built a loyal following among fans of animation, horror films, and television dramas.
Her work reached audiences across multiple generations, with many viewers remembering her performances from childhood while others discovered her through later projects.
News of her reported death quickly spread online, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans who reflected on the impact of her work.
Many cited “Lilo & Stitch” and “The Ring” as defining films of their youth and credited Chase with creating memorable characters that remain culturally relevant more than two decades later.
The actress also faced personal and legal challenges during portions of her adult life, though she largely remained out of the public spotlight in recent years.
According to reports, Chase’s family has established a GoFundMe campaign to assist with expenses following her death.
Via GoFundMe:
“Daveigh Chase, my girlfriend, has always been a light in my life. Many people know her as a talented childhood actor from ‘Lilo & Stitch,’ ‘Spirited Away,’ and ‘Donnie Darko.’ But behind the scenes, she’s faced more than her share of hardship. After a difficult childhood and a painful falling out with her family, Daveigh was bullied and struggled to find safety and happiness in downtown LA. When we met, I promised to protect her and give her the love and comfort she deserved. Together, we found moments of happiness and hope.
Recently, everything changed. Daveigh was diagnosed with meningitis and several serious blood infections. Her condition has become critical, and the doctors have told me she may not have much time left. 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.
I understand we all go through things, but if you can help, I will be really grateful for anything. And if you can only give a prayer, I will take that too. Thank you for considering helping us during this difficult time.”
Los Angeles, where Chase reportedly died, remains one of the world’s leading entertainment centers and has long served as home to actors, filmmakers, and production studios that shape the global film and television industry.
The reported circumstances surrounding Chase’s death have not yet been independently confirmed by THECOUNT through official records.
Additional information regarding memorial services or funeral arrangements was not immediately available.
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