Former child star Davey Chase, who gained fame as the voice of Lilo in “Lilo & Stitch,” has passed away at the age of 35 due to AIDS complications. She was receiving treatment in a Los Angeles hospital after a long struggle with the disease, coupled with issues like drug addiction and being homeless.
The Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office noted that AIDS was the primary cause of her death, with chronic polysubstance use also mentioned as a contributor. This report came to light recently, shedding painful light on her battle.
Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, shared that Chase succumbed to meningitis and severe blood infections, which led to septic shock. This devastating news hit hard, especially since he’d been trying to create a GoFundMe to help her find comfort in her last days.
In the fundraiser, he reflected on her difficult upbringing, mentioning how she often felt bullied and unsafe. “All she wanted was a place where we could live together and feel happy,” he said, emphasizing a sense of duty he felt to protect her.
Hernandez expressed a deep longing to give her a peaceful environment, especially in her final days. Tragically, a video shared months prior to her passing depicted her in a troubling state, lying on the floor of a tent in Skid Row, visibly malnourished, which stirred feelings of helplessness among those who tried to assist her.
Chase’s manager, John Ryan, recounted their close attempts to help her escape that environment. He spoke fondly of her, calling her the “kindest, brightest light in Hollywood” and lamented that her legacy would endure, despite the heartbreaking circumstances of her passing.
Chase made her mark in the film industry with notable roles, including Samara Morgan in “The Ring” and appearances in HBO’s “Big Love.” Her last performances were in 2016 in “American Romance” and “Jack Goes Home.”
If you or someone you know is facing similar challenges, it’s important to reach out for help. You can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or explore resources at FindTreatment.gov.
