Blab Entertainment
Daveigh Chase, Voice of Lilo and Samara, Dies at 35 After Meningitis Complications
Daveigh Chase, the actress who brought Disney’s Lilo Pelekai and horror icon Samara Morgan to life, died on June 16 2026 at the age of 35. The Los Angeles‑based performer succumbed to complications from bacterial meningitis that progressed to sepsis, according to a statement released by her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, to TMZ.
Chase’s career began in the early 2000s. She first appeared as Samantha Darko in the 2001 cult film Donnie Darko and returned to the role in the 2009 sequel S. Darko. In 2002 she voiced Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, earning an Annie Award in 2003. The same year she voiced Chihiro Ogino in the English dub of Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away and delivered the breakout performance of Samara Morgan in The Ring, a role that earned her the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain that year.
After her early successes, Chase moved into adult roles, including a supporting part as Rhonda Volmer in the HBO drama Big Love (2006‑2011). She also appeared in independent films such as Yellow (2012) and Jack Goes Home (2016). Her last credited performance was the 2016 thriller American Romance, which received negative reviews.
In 2015 Chase stepped away from acting. The decision followed a series of personal challenges. In 2017 she was arrested as a passenger in a stolen vehicle, and in 2018 she faced misdemeanor charges for possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and drug paraphernalia. Reports indicate that she experienced a period of homelessness after leaving the public eye.
Early June 2026, Chase was hospitalized in Los Angeles with malnutrition and a blood infection. Her boyfriend launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover medical costs, but former manager John Ryan and family members publicly urged fans not to donate, citing concerns about the legitimacy of the fundraiser. The campaign was subsequently withdrawn.
Chase’s death was reported by major outlets, including The New York Times, USA Today, Deadline, and BBC News. All outlets confirmed that the cause of death was septic shock secondary to meningitis complications.
She is survived by her father and other family members. No immediate family members have announced plans to pursue legal action related to the GoFundMe dispute.
Chase’s legacy remains most strongly tied to her work in The Ring and Lilo & Stitch. Her portrayal of Samara Morgan left a lasting imprint on the horror genre, while her voice work as Lilo helped define a generation of Disney animation. Though her acting career was brief, her performances continue to be referenced by fans and scholars of early‑2000s cinema.
The entertainment community mourns the loss of a versatile performer whose early work bridged horror and animation. As of now, no further projects or posthumous releases have been announced.
Chase’s career began in the early 2000s. She first appeared as Samantha Darko in the 2001 cult film Donnie Darko and returned to the role in the 2009 sequel S. Darko. In 2002 she voiced Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, earning an Annie Award in 2003. The same year she voiced Chihiro Ogino in the English dub of Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away and delivered the breakout performance of Samara Morgan in The Ring, a role that earned her the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain that year.
After her early successes, Chase moved into adult roles, including a supporting part as Rhonda Volmer in the HBO drama Big Love (2006‑2011). She also appeared in independent films such as Yellow (2012) and Jack Goes Home (2016). Her last credited performance was the 2016 thriller American Romance, which received negative reviews.
In 2015 Chase stepped away from acting. The decision followed a series of personal challenges. In 2017 she was arrested as a passenger in a stolen vehicle, and in 2018 she faced misdemeanor charges for possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and drug paraphernalia. Reports indicate that she experienced a period of homelessness after leaving the public eye.
Early June 2026, Chase was hospitalized in Los Angeles with malnutrition and a blood infection. Her boyfriend launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover medical costs, but former manager John Ryan and family members publicly urged fans not to donate, citing concerns about the legitimacy of the fundraiser. The campaign was subsequently withdrawn.
Chase’s death was reported by major outlets, including The New York Times, USA Today, Deadline, and BBC News. All outlets confirmed that the cause of death was septic shock secondary to meningitis complications.
She is survived by her father and other family members. No immediate family members have announced plans to pursue legal action related to the GoFundMe dispute.
Chase’s legacy remains most strongly tied to her work in The Ring and Lilo & Stitch. Her portrayal of Samara Morgan left a lasting imprint on the horror genre, while her voice work as Lilo helped define a generation of Disney animation. Though her acting career was brief, her performances continue to be referenced by fans and scholars of early‑2000s cinema.
The entertainment community mourns the loss of a versatile performer whose early work bridged horror and animation. As of now, no further projects or posthumous releases have been announced.
