The Disney fan community is still grappling with the profound loss of a beloved voice after actress Daveigh Chase, the original performer of Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s animated classic Lilo & Stitch, passed away on June 16 at the age of 35. Her untimely death has sparked an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from fans who cherished her contributions to both Disney and Studio Ghibli films over the years.Following an investigation into her untimely passing, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office has confirmed the official cause of death as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). In addition to this diagnosis, the report noted chronic polysubstance use as a significant condition that contributed to her demise. The medical examiner determined that her manner of death was natural, with Chase taking her final breaths while under medical care in a Los Angeles hospital.In the days leading up to her death, Chase had been hospitalized due to malnutrition, which raised concerns about her health. Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, publicly announced her passing, initially attributing it to meningitis and a blood infection. These details align with the broader medical context provided by the official cause of death report, shedding light on the complexities surrounding her health challenges in her final days. As the community continues to remember her impactful contributions and the joy she brought to audiences, the news of her passing serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges one may face away from the spotlight.Credit: ABCA Career That Began With an Iconic Disney Role in Lilo & StitchChase first stepped into the role of Lilo Pelekai at the tender age of eight, auditioning for the part that would significantly shape her early career in the entertainment industry. She voiced Lilo in Disney’s animated classic, Lilo and Stitch, released in 2002. This charming film, which masterfully blends humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments, not only introduced audiences to Lilo’s quirky personality and deep bond with Stitch but also became a beloved staple in Disney’s animated repertoire. Chase’s performance was instrumental in bringing Lilo to life, and she went on to reprise the role in several sequels, various episodes of the animated television series, and a host of video games, collaborating with Chris Sanders, who voiced the iconic Stitch.Beyond her work in Lilo and Stitch, Chase expertly navigated her career across both live-action and voice acting realms. One of her most significant roles came when she portrayed Samara Morgan in the American remake of The Ring, a critically acclaimed horror film that opened to widespread success. Her chilling performance, which captured the eerie essence of the character, was pivotal in elevating the franchise’s reputation as one of the defining horror successes of the early 2000s. Chase reprised this role in the sequel, ensuring that Samara remained etched in the minds of horror fans.Credit: DisneyIn addition to her work in horror, Chase voiced the character Chihiro in the English-language dub of Studio Ghibli’s iconic film, Spirited Away. This enchanting story, crafted by the legendary director Hayao Miyazaki, remains a hallmark of animated cinema, and Chase’s portrayal of Chihiro is cherished by fans for its emotional depth and authenticity.Chase’s talents also extended to the small screen, where she appeared in the critically acclaimed HBO series Big Love as Rhonda Volmer. Her performance in the series earned her a nomination from the Young Artist Awards, showcasing her ability to tackle complex characters in nuanced stories.Throughout her career, Chase has built an impressive portfolio with a diverse range of credits, including well-known films such as Donnie Darko, a psychological thriller that has since gained a cult following, Jack Goes Home, a gripping tale about family secrets, and American Romance, a unique exploration of love and relationships. Her work reflects a versatile career spanning major studio productions and smaller independent projects, illustrating her adaptability and commitment to her craft.Disney’s 2025 Live-Action Adaptation of Lilo & StitchWhen Disney released its live-action adaptation of Lilo and Stitch in 2025, newcomer Maia Kealoha stepped into the role of Lilo, marking a new chapter for the character that Chase had originated more than twenty years earlier. The transition gave a new generation of fans their own introduction to the character, even as longtime fans continued to associate the role most closely with Chase’s original performance.Credit: DisneyDisagreement Over Funeral ArrangementsIn the days following Chase’s death, some confusion emerged regarding funeral and memorial arrangements. A GoFundMe page was launched by Hernandez shortly before her passing, in which he wrote about seeking comfort and peace for Chase and described the hardships she had endured throughout her life, particularly during her upbringing.However, Chase’s former manager, John Ryan, has since stated that the GoFundMe is not going toward any expenses related to the actress. According to Ryan, Chase’s family is independently handling all funeral arrangements and cremation costs. Ryan also said that Chase’s father, John Schwallier, has not signed over any paperwork to Hernandez regarding those arrangements, indicating a disagreement between Hernandez and Chase’s family over how her affairs are being managed following her death.Remembering Daveigh ChaseBorn in Las Vegas in 1990, Chase began formal vocal and dance training as a young child, laying the groundwork for a career that would eventually include some of the most recognizable roles in early 2000s film and television. Fans across social media have continued to share memories of her work in the days since her passing, frequently citing her performance as Lilo in the original animated series, her work as Chihiro in Spirited Away, and the lasting impact of her role in The Ring.For many who grew up with Lilo and Stitch, Chase’s voice remains inseparable from the character, even as the franchise has continued to evolve through new films, series, and, most recently, a live-action adaptation. As fans continue to share tributes online, Chase’s body of work across animation, horror, and television remains a significant part of early-2000s pop culture, anchored by a Disney role that introduced her to audiences as a child and has stayed with fans for more than two decades.The post ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Star Daveigh Chase’s Cause of Death Officially Revealed appeared first on Inside the Magic.