Former Child Star Daveigh Chase Dies at 25
Daveigh Chase, the actress best known for her roles in Donnie Darko, Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, and the horror film The Ring, has died at the age of 25. Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, confirmed her passing to TMZ, stating that she died on June 16 at a hospital. The manner of death was ruled natural.
Cause of Death Revealed
According to Los Angeles County coroner’s records obtained by Us Weekly, Chase’s cause of death was ruled acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) accompanied by other serious medical conditions, including chronic polysubstance use.
Health Struggles Before Her Death
Shortly before Chase’s death, Hernandez launched a GoFundMe campaign detailing her recent health issues. He wrote that Chase had been diagnosed with meningitis and several serious blood infections, and that her condition had become critical. “Doctors have told me she may not have much time left,” he stated on the campaign page.
Hernandez added that Chase had long dreamed of having a safe and happy home. “All she ever wanted was a place where we could live together, feel safe and happy. Now, more than ever, I want to give her that feeling of home and peace in her final days,” he wrote.
Friends of Chase told TMZ that she had become severely emaciated, weighing just 35 pounds at one point. They expressed a desire to find her and offer help but said they were never able to track her down.
Questions Surrounding GoFundMe Campaign
The GoFundMe campaign drew scrutiny from Chase’s former manager, John Ryan. In an interview with TMZ, Ryan said that neither Chase’s family nor her close friends recognized Hernandez. He also noted that Chase had a SAG trust account with more than enough funds to cover her medical and related expenses.
Ryan added that Chase’s father had already contacted the hospital to collect his daughter’s body and urged potential donors to think twice before contributing “until the organizer’s identity and claims can be verified.”
In response to the allegations, Hernandez told TMZ that the claims questioning the campaign’s legitimacy were “100%” false. He stated that he intended to use the raised funds to pay for Chase’s memorial.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Chase first gained attention playing Jake Gyllenhaal’s younger sister in the 2001 cult classic Donnie Darko. She landed her breakout roles the following year, voicing Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s beloved animated film Lilo & Stitch and portraying the chilling Samara Morgan in the 2002 horror hit The Ring.
Her later film credits included the 2016 films Jack Goes Home and American Romance, which marked her final on-screen appearances.
