Daveigh Chase has died aged 35.
The former child star, known for her roles as Samara in The Ring and Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, had been battling meningitis and a serious blood infection before her death on Tuesday.
Chase’s boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, confirmed the sad news of her passing to TMZ, and explained that she was suffering from septic issues from the meningitis and infection, causing her body to shut down.
TMZ reported that she was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital earlier this month, due to malnutrition.
Shortly before her death, Hernandez set up a GoFundMe to her “find comfort and peace” in her final days, after a difficult upbringing.
“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,” he began.
“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.”
Hernandez explained her condition became “critical” and that doctors confirmed 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,” the post read.
Hernandez told TMZ that Chase sadly passed away hours after the fundraising page was created.
The campaign has raised $2,359 of its $5,500 goal at the time of writing, with donators sharing their condolences.
“RIP Daveigh. So sorry for your loss. I grew up with her iconic performances in movies near and dear to my heart and this is such a huge loss. Sending lots of light and love,” one person wrote.
Chase rose to fame as a child star in 2002, landing the lead role as Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch. That same year she played Samara Morgan in the horror film The Ring, which won her an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain.
She was also the voice actress for Chihiro Ogino in the American dub of Spirited Away, and had appearances in Donnie Darko, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, ER before landing a recurring in Big Love.
Her final role was in 2016, and she stepped away from the spotlight since.
Image: Wikimedia Commons/ Instagram
