Summary (tl;dr)

Former child actress Daveigh Chase, widely recognized for voicing Lilo in Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" and portraying Samara in "The Ring," has died at the age of 35 in Los Angeles due to septic shock complicated by meningitis and a blood infection.

Essential Background

Daveigh Chase rose to prominence as a child actress in the early 2000s. She became well-known for lending her voice to the character Lilo Pelekai in the 2002 animated film "Lilo & Stitch" and its subsequent television series. In the same period, she achieved significant recognition for her haunting portrayal of Samara Morgan in the horror film "The Ring," a role that earned her an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain. Beyond these iconic roles, Chase also appeared in films like "Donnie Darko" and had a recurring role in the HBO series "Big Love." She reportedly took a hiatus from acting around 2016.

The Full Story

News emerged today, June 17, 2026, confirming the death of Daveigh Chase yesterday, June 16, 2026, at 35 years old. Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, informed TMZ that she passed away from septic shock, which was complicated by meningitis and a blood infection. It was also reported that Chase had been hospitalized in Los Angeles earlier in June due to malnutrition. Following her death, her family has reportedly initiated a GoFundMe campaign.

Why It Matters

The unexpected passing of Daveigh Chase at a young age has generated considerable public interest, particularly among fans who remember her from her significant roles in popular culture. Her distinctive performances, ranging from the endearing animated character of Lilo to the terrifying antagonist Samara, left a memorable mark on audiences. The trending searches reflect the public's desire to understand the circumstances surrounding the untimely death of a former child star who played a pivotal role in beloved animated and horror franchises.

Geographic Location

• Los Angeles, California, United States (death from septic shock complicated by meningitis and a blood infection)