Emerging
Published Jun 18, 2026Updated Jun 191
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Actress Daveigh Chase Dies at 35 From Sepsis
Daveigh Chase, an American actress best known for voicing Lilo in Disney's 'Lilo & Stitch' and playing Samara Morgan in 'The Ring,' died at age 35 on June 16, 2026, from meningitis and septicemia after being hospitalized for malnutrition.
Quick Facts
- Died from meningitis and blood infection (septicemia)
- Hospitalized for malnutrition
- Provided voice acting for Lilo in Lilo & Stitch
- Voiced Chihiro in English version of Spirited Away
- Played Samara Morgan in The Ring (2002)
Daveigh Chase, an American actress known for her iconic roles in horror and animated films, died on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at age 35 following a severe illness. According to her friend Roy Hernandez, Chase died from meningitis and a blood infection that developed into septicemia. She had been hospitalized in Los Angeles earlier in June due to malnutrition.
Chase gained prominence as a child actress, most notably providing the English voice for Lilo in Disney's 'Lilo & Stitch' and voicing Chihiro Ogino in the English version of Studio Ghibli's 'Spirited Away.' She also became known to horror film audiences for her role as Samara Morgan, the antagonist in the 2002 American adaptation of 'The Ring,' famously depicted crawling out of a television screen. Her early breakthrough came through her portrayal of Samantha Darko in 'Donnie Darko.'
Beyond these prominent roles, Chase appeared in television series including 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch' and HBO's drama series 'Big Love.' Born on July 24, 1990, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Chase stepped away from full-time acting in 2015. In her later years, she faced legal difficulties, including charges related to drug possession and driving a stolen vehicle.
Topics
Why This Matters
Daveigh Chase's death underscores the fragility of health even for those in the public eye and raises awareness about the serious health risks associated with malnutrition and infections like meningitis. Her passing marks the loss of a distinctive voice in animation and horror cinema, with lasting cultural impact through iconic roles that defined a generation's entertainment. For fans and the entertainment industry, her story serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health support and healthcare accessibility.
Timeline & Sources
Jul 24, 1990
WireDaveigh Chase born in Las Vegas, Nevada
Jan 1, 2001
WireChase appears in Donnie Darko as Samantha Darko
Jun 1, 2026
WireChase hospitalized in Los Angeles for malnutrition
Jun 16, 2026
WireDaveigh Chase dies at age 35 from meningitis and septicemia