Actress Daveigh Chase, best known for her roles in 'The Ring' and 'Donnie Darko' and for voicing Lilo in 'Lilo & Stitch', died on June 16, 2026, at the age of 35. According to a recently released report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, AIDS was determined to be the cause of death, with chronic polysubstance use listed as another significant contributing condition. Her death was classified as natural. Chase spent 12 days in the hospital before her condition deteriorated and she passed away.

Daveigh Chase Was Found in a Car on June 4

The report also details the circumstances surrounding her hospitalization. Chase was found in the back seat of a vehicle on June 4, complaining of a headache, weakness, confusion, and pain in her right thumb. A methamphetamine pipe was reportedly found nearby. Paramedics transported her to Los Angeles General Medical Center, where she was admitted for treatment. She remained hospitalized until her death on June 16. The report was released on November 10.

'The Ring' Star: Doctors Documented Multiple Infections

Upon admission, doctors diagnosed Chase with advanced HIV/AIDS with wasting, cryptococcosis without meningitis, MRSA, and an infection in her right thumb. Toxicology tests also detected methamphetamine and fentanyl in her system. The report noted a history of advanced, untreated HIV/AIDS and drug use. These findings provide further insight into the actress's health and the medical circumstances surrounding her final days.

Family Members Spoke About Her Difficult Years

Following Chase's death, members of her family shared details about her personal struggles. Her father, John David Schwallier, initially told reporters that she had died from complications involving bacterial meningitis and a bloodstream infection. Her mother, Cathy, later spoke about her daughter's struggles with addiction, saying she believed they worsened after Chase was prescribed painkillers for a back injury sustained in a motorcycle accident around 2016.

Cathy also revealed that she had not seen her daughter in person since October 2019. Chase's former manager, John Ryan, separately told reporters that he had lost contact with the actress in late 2015, after she had attended rehabilitation programs.

Roy Hernandez Launched a Fundraiser Before Her Death

Shortly before Chase's death, a man named Roy Hernandez, who identified himself as her boyfriend, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with her medical and living expenses. In the fundraiser's description, he wrote: "Her condition is critical, and the doctors have told me that she may not have much time left."

Hernandez also described her health problems and his wish to provide her with a sense of home and peace during her final days. He confirmed her death on June 17.

However, the fundraiser soon became the subject of controversy. Chase's former manager, John Ryan, questioned Hernandez's relationship with the actress, saying that her family and close friends did not know him. He also urged the public not to donate, claiming that the fundraiser would not cover any of Chase's expenses. Hernandez denied the allegations, maintaining that his intentions were genuine.

A few days after her death, 'Lilo & Stitch' directors Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois paid tribute to Chase with a touching illustration featuring characters from the animated film.