Daveigh Chase, Voice of Lilo and Star of The Ring, Dies at 35
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of actress Daveigh Chase, best known for voicing Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and portraying the terrifying Samara Morgan in The Ring. She was 35.
According to multiple media reports, Chase died on June 16, 2026, following complications from meningitis and a severe blood infection that led to sepsis and organ failure. Her death was confirmed by her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez. She had reportedly been hospitalized in Los Angeles earlier this month due to malnutrition and serious health complications.
Born on July 24, 1990, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Chase rose to fame as a child actress and quickly became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable young talents. Her breakthrough came when she provided the voice of Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s beloved animated hit Lilo & Stitch, a role she later reprised in television series and spin-off films. She also voiced Chihiro in the English-language version of Studio Ghibli’s acclaimed Spirited Away.
In the same year, Chase earned widespread acclaim for her chilling portrayal of Samara Morgan in The Ring, a performance that helped make the film one of the most memorable horror movies of the 2000s. She later appeared in notable projects including Donnie Darko and the HBO series Big Love.
Despite her early success, Chase largely stepped away from acting during the past decade and reportedly faced a number of personal struggles in recent years. Friends and loved ones had been attempting to help her receive treatment before her health rapidly deteriorated.
Daveigh Chase leaves behind a legacy that touched millions of fans through her unforgettable voice work and memorable screen performances. From the heartwarming spirit of Lilo to the haunting presence of Samara, her work remains an enduring part of modern film history
