Who is – Daveigh Chase, who voiced Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and played Samara Morgan in The Ring, died at 35 in June 2026 after complications tied to meningitis and blood infections, according to her boyfriend. Before stepping away from acting, she also became known for
Daveigh Chase looked like she’d simply stepped out of the spotlight over the past few years—but to millions of fans, her voices and performances never really left.
She was 35 when she died in June 2026 after suffering multiple health issues. For many. Chase was first unforgettable as Disney’s Lilo & Stitch franchise: she voiced Lilo in Disney’s 2002 Lilo & Stitch and in its television series. For others. she was the face of pure dread—Samara Morgan in The Ring. the 2002 popular film where she played the main character.
The work didn’t go unnoticed. Her performance in The Ring earned her a “Best Villain” award at the 2003 MTV Movie Awards. She also appeared as a guest on Charmed and ER, adding to a resume that ranged from blockbuster horror to long-running TV dramas.
Chase was also known for HBO’s Big Love, where she played Rhonda Volmer. And beyond acting. she wasn’t just a performer—she was a singer and dancer who began putting on shows in her hometown at age 3. In 1999. she had the chance to be the lead singer with a band as an opening act for Reba McEntire. according to her IMDb. Steven Spielberg later picked her to sing “God Bless America” in his 2001 film, A.I. Artificial Intelligence.
Her life began in a place that didn’t match the dark intensity people associated with her screen roles. She was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, but was raised in Albany, Oregon, according to her IMDb page.
As news of her death spread, attention also turned to the people closest to her. A GoFundMe page created by Roy Hernandez said he met Chase in Los Angeles. California. where they “fell in love and stayed together until she died in June 2026.” Hernandez wrote. “When we met. I promised to protect her and give her the love and comfort she deserved. ” adding. “Together. we found moments of happiness and hope.”.
The account of her final weeks was shared by her boyfriend. He said Chase died from meningitis and blood infections, which led to septic issues and her body ultimately shutting down. He also told TMZ that she was admitted to a hospital in Los Angeles earlier that month due to malnutrition.
The story of Daveigh Chase is a familiar one in entertainment—talent that arrived early. a breakthrough that stuck. then a quieter chapter away from the spotlight. But the details of her final decline bring the focus back to the human reality behind the credits: health complications. a hospital stay in Los Angeles earlier in June 2026. and a sudden ending at 35.
From voicing Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s 2002 hit to playing Samara Morgan in The Ring and stepping into Rhonda Volmer’s world on Big Love, Daveigh Chase leaves behind a mix of warmth and fear—roles that will keep replaying, even when the actor behind them can’t.
Daveigh Chase The Ring Samara Morgan Lilo & Stitch Lilo Pelekai Big Love Rhonda Volmer MTV Movie Awards Best Villain meningitis blood infections Roy Hernandez GoFundMe Charmed ER A.I. Artificial Intelligence
Wow I literally just watched Lilo & Stitch last week, so sad.
So meningitis and blood infection… does that mean like from The Ring? Like the movie cursed her or something? I know that’s dumb but my brain went there.
I saw “Samara” and immediately thought of that creepy hair scene (the one everyone quotes). She did voice acting but also sang?? Wild. I didn’t realize she was in Charmed either. 35 feels way too young, honestly.
Not to be that person, but I thought she already stopped acting years ago so I’m confused how it says June 2026 like it’s sudden. Also it says Steven Spielberg picked her to sing in A.I. which is cool, but wouldn’t that be like 2001 not 1999? Anyway RIP, just sucks.