Daveigh Chase, Voice of Lilo and The Ring’s Samara, Dies at 35 Following Severe Illness

Former child actress Daveigh Chase who achieved Hollywood fame by voicing Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s animated film Lilo and Stitch has passed away at the age of 35. Her representative and family confirmed that the performer died on June 16 2026 following a severe medical battle. Chase built a diverse career across major film and television franchises in the early 2000s transitioning effortlessly from beloved children’s characters to iconic horror villains. Her passing marks the end of a unique legacy that shaped the childhoods of millennials and Generation Z alike. This comprehensive report covers the documented circumstances surrounding her death her most notable screen roles and her lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

According to statements released by her partner Roy Hernandez the actress succumbed to a series of rapid and severe health complications. Chase had been hospitalized in early June 2026 suffering from acute malnutrition before her condition deteriorated significantly. Medical reports indicate she developed a severe case of meningitis accompanied by multiple blood infections.

These infections eventually triggered sepsis a life threatening systemic inflammatory response that caused her organs to fail. Hernandez had previously launched a crowdfunding campaign to help cover emergency medical expenses noting that her condition had turned critical. Chase passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones after medical interventions were unable to reverse the organ failure.

Born in Las Vegas Nevada Chase began acting at a young age and quickly secured roles that would define early 2000s popular culture. In 2002 she provided the voice for Lilo in Lilo and Stitch bringing a grounded emotional depth to the quirky Hawaiian orphan. She continued to voice Lilo in subsequent direct to video sequels and the Disney Channel animated series until 2006.

Simultaneously Chase demonstrated her dramatic range by portraying Samara Morgan the vengeful spirit in the 2002 horror blockbuster The Ring. Her performance behind the static television screen earned her the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain. Her other major credits include voicing Chihiro in the English dub of Studio Ghibli’s Academy Award winning film Spirited Away and playing Samantha Darko in the cult classic sci fi drama Donnie Darko. Between 2006 and 2011 she appeared regularly on the HBO drama series Big Love as Rhonda Volmer. Chase stepped away from high profile Hollywood projects after 2016 living a private life away from the public eye.

Daveigh Chase leaves behind a portfolio of work spanning nearly fifty screen credits. From bringing warmth to animated protagonists to creating one of the most recognizable figures in modern horror cinema her contributions to media remain highly influential. She is survived by her immediate family and close friends who have requested privacy during this time.