The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office has confirmed that former child actor Daveigh Chase died from AIDS on June 16. The records, listing her as Daveigh Schwallier, revealed that the 35-year-old passed away due to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Additional findings noted ‘chronic polysubstance abuse’ as a significant condition influencing her health. Chase gained fame for voicing the character of Lilo in Disney’s ‘Lilo & Stitch’ and for her role in the horror film ‘The Ring’ in 2002.
Her father, John David Schwallier, confirmed in a New York Times report that she succumbed to complications from bacterial meningitis and a blood infection while in a Los Angeles hospital. He mentioned she was homeless in Los Angeles with her boyfriend.
From an early age, Chase battled drug issues, a struggle she faced since turning 13, as noted by her father. Her relationship with her parents, who are divorced, was strained and distant.
In a text message to The Associated Press, her father noted that given her lifestyle, the cause of death was not surprising. He expressed regret over her untimely passing, describing it as tragic. ‘It would’ve been nice for all of you to find her and try and help her. That would’ve been a nicer story than this,’ he stated.
Chase started her career in entertainment at the age of eight, auditioning for the role of Lilo. Her portrayal of Samara in ‘The Ring’ earned her an MTV Movie Award for best villain. She also contributed her voice to the animated film ‘Spirited Away’ and appeared in projects like ‘Donnie Darko’ and ‘Oliver Beene.’
Born in Las Vegas and raised in Albany, Oregon, Chase began singing and dancing at just three years old, according to IMDb.com.
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