Daveigh Chase, the former child actress best known for her roles in Lilo & Stitch, The Ring and Donnie Darko, died on June 16, 2026, at the age of 35. According to reports, Chase suffered complications from meningitis and severe blood infections that led to sepsis and organ failure. In the days following her death, new details emerged about the challenges she faced in recent years, including struggles with addiction, homelessness and estrangement from family members.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Chase’s mother, Cathy Chase, recalled learning about her daughter’s death through media reports. “I actually thought it was fake news, that first time I saw it,” Cathy said. “But then all of a sudden, it’s all of these different legitimate sites had her name and I realized that it wasn’t fake.” Cathy also revealed that she had not seen Daveigh since 2019.
Learn more about Chase’s health below.
How Did Daveigh Chase Die?
Chase died on June 16, 2026, after suffering severe complications from meningitis. According to reports, the actress developed sepsis and organ failure after battling multiple infections.
She had been hospitalized in the weeks leading up to her death as her condition worsened.
How Old Was Daveigh Chase When She Died?
Chase was 35 years old when she died on June 16, 2026.
Born on July 24, 1990, the actress began her career as a child star and became widely known for voicing Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, portraying Samara Morgan in The Ringand appearing in Donnie Darko.
What Is Meningitis?
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The condition can be caused by bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infections, though some cases may also result from injuries, medications or certain medical conditions.
The CDC notes that common symptoms include fever, headache and a stiff neck, along with nausea, vomiting, confusion and sensitivity to light. Symptoms can develop quickly and may become life-threatening without prompt medical care.
What Other Infections Did Daveigh Chase Have?
The exact blood infections Chase suffered from have not been publicly disclosed. However, her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, claimed in a GoFundMe fundraiser that the actress contracted meningitis along with “several serious blood infections,” and that her condition eventually became “critical.”
Speaking with the Daily Mail, Cathy claimed that Daveigh battled addiction after being prescribed painkillers following a motorcycle accident about a decade ago. According to her mother, the actress later began “seeking drugs” and “partying with the wrong people,” and also experienced periods of homelessness.
