Daveigh Chase, Voice of Lilo and Samara, Dies at 35 After Battle with Meningitis and Sepsis
On Tuesday, June 16 2026, the entertainment community lost a versatile talent when Daveigh Chase, 35, died in Los Angeles. The former child actress, best known for voicing Disney’s Lilo in Lilo & Stitch and portraying Samara Morgan in The Ring, succumbed to a severe infection that progressed to sepsis, according to a statement released by her boyfriend, Ray Hernandez, to TMZ.
Chase’s career began with small television roles before she was cast as the voice of Lilo Pelekai in the 2002 animated feature Lilo & Stitch. The film earned her an MTV Movie Award nomination and launched a franchise that expanded into sequels, television series and a live‑action adaptation. Her performance captured the spirited, independent spirit of the young Hawaiian girl and remains a benchmark for young female characters in voice‑acting.
In addition to Lilo, Chase lent her voice to the English dub of Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away (2004), providing the voice for Chihiro Ogino. On screen she appeared in the horror film The Ring (2002), its 2009 sequel S. Darko, and the 2016 film Jack Goes Home. Between 2006 and 2011 she portrayed the sociopathic teen Rhonda Volmer in 32 episodes of HBO’s Big Love, a role that showcased her range beyond voice work.
According to TMZ, Chase died after contracting meningitis and a blood infection that led to septic complications. Hernandez said, “Daveigh died Tuesday from meningitis and an infection in her blood, which caused her to have septic issues and led to her body shutting down.” Earlier in June, hospital records indicated that Chase had been admitted for malnutrition, a condition that may have weakened her immune system.
The news sparked a wave of tributes across social media. Users on X (formerly Twitter) shared condolences, noting the difficulty of fighting meningitis and sepsis. One user wrote, “I hope her family finds peace knowing that she isn’t suffering now. Meningitis and blood infection isn’t easy. Sending positive vibes.” Another reflected on Chase’s impact, stating, “May Daveigh Chase be remembered not just for the characters she brought to life, but for the impact her work had on millions who grew up watching it.” A third user compared the loss to other recent deaths in the entertainment industry, remarking that June has been a “truly tragic month.”
Chase’s passing underscores the vulnerability of actors who face health challenges after early fame. While her on‑screen work slowed in recent years, her voice performances continue to resonate with fans of Disney animation and horror cinema. The industry has highlighted her contributions to the field, noting that her portrayal of Lilo remains a reference point for young female voice actors.
At this time, no official statement has been released by Chase’s family or representatives. TMZ’s report is the only confirmed source of the cause of death, and the details come directly from Hernandez. The entertainment community continues to mourn the loss of a talent who bridged child‑star roles and adult‑voice performances. Chase’s death serves as a reminder of the seriousness of meningitis and sepsis, conditions that can develop rapidly and are treatable only with prompt medical intervention. Her legacy endures through the characters she voiced and the films that continue to entertain audiences worldwide.
