Fans are mourning Daveigh Chase, the actress known for voicing Lilo in ‘Lilo & Stitch,’ who died Tuesday, June 16, at 35. Her boyfriend Roy Hernandez said meningitis and a blood infection led to septic complications.
Daveigh Chase’s voice was the sound of an era for many fans—especially for those who grew up with ‘Lilo & Stitch.’ Now, the actress who voiced Lilo has died at 35, and tributes have poured in as people grapple with how quickly it all happened.
Chase’s boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, confirmed that she died on Tuesday, June 16. He said meningitis and a blood infection caused septic complications that ultimately led to her body shutting down. As of now, no one has shared how long she experienced symptoms before her passing.
Earlier this month, Chase was reportedly admitted to a Los Angeles hospital after suffering from malnutrition. In the days after, Hernandez launched a GoFundMe in her honor. On the fundraiser page. he shared that her condition became critical and that. before her passing. Daveigh simply wanted to feel safe and happy. He said he wanted to give her that sense of peace during her final days. and he thanked everyone who has offered support. expressing his gratitude in advance for every donation.
Hernandez has also become a focal point for the outpouring of grief—not just because of what he’s shared medically, but because of the tenderness in how he described her final wishes. It’s a detail fans are holding onto while trying to understand what came so suddenly.
Chase’s career began as a child actress. She broke out when she voiced Lilo in the 2022 film ‘Lilo & Stitch.’ She also voiced Chihiro Ogino in ‘Spirited Away.’ Horror fans likely know her as Samara Morgan in ‘The Ring. ’ a role that earned her an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain. She also landed a recurring role in the HBO series ‘Big Love.’.
After the news spread, reactions flooded in. Instagram user @_un_known.e wrote. “Being a obsessive person of stitch this hurts 💔💔💔.” Instagram user @rvdxo_official questioned. “Why are so many entertainers passing away in 2026 and we all act like it’s normal 🤷🏾♂️.” @_suckafreesi added. “We’re losing way too many young people to meningitis smh my heart hurts hearing this 💔.” @cashmase wrote. “So many people are leaving this earth at such a young age. It makes you wonder what’s really going on. Condolences to her loved ones. 🙏🏾.”.
Others reacted with disbelief and grief in their own way—@knhiya wrote, “somebody check on stitch please!. 😢. ” while @brittany_latrice said. “I will never forget how she got on top of Mertle & whoopeddddd her 😢👏🕊️.” @_.taepapi wrote. “Very young.😢. they taking away all our childhood people!” and @iam_superman_1914 simply said. “So sad to hear 🙏🏾.” @thegr8tkellen ended with. “This is terrible 🥹.”.
For many fans, Chase wasn’t just a performer—she was part of childhood memories that are now being mourned in real time. And while the details continue to be shared through her loved ones, one thing is already clear: her impact on pop culture—and on the people who recognized her voice—won’t fade.
Daveigh Chase Lilo & Stitch Lilo voice Roy Hernandez GoFundMe meningitis septic complications The Ring Samara Morgan Spirited Away Chihiro Ogino Big Love