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Jun 17, 20261
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Actress Daveigh Chase Dies at 35 from Meningitis and Blood Infection Complications
Voice actress and performer Daveigh Chase, best known for voicing Lilo in Disney's 'Lilo & Stitch' and portraying Samara in 'The Ring,' has died at 35 from complications of meningitis and a blood infection that caused septic shock and organ failure. She had been previously hospitalized for severe malnutrition.
Quick Facts
Who
Daveigh Chase
What
Died from meningitis and blood infection complications
When
Tuesday (exact date not specified in sources, published June 17, 2026)
Where
Los Angeles (hospitalization location)
- Died from meningitis and blood infection complications
- Suffered septic shock and multi-organ failure
- Was previously hospitalized for severe malnutrition
- Daveigh Chase
- Roy Ernestez (partner)
Daveigh Chase, the voice actress known for bringing Lilo to life in Disney's 'Lilo & Stitch' and for her iconic role as Samara Morgan in the horror film 'The Ring,' has died at age 35. Her partner, Roy Ernestez, confirmed that she passed away on Tuesday following complications from meningitis and a blood infection that triggered septic shock and multi-organ failure.
Chase had been hospitalized at a Los Angeles medical facility prior to her death, where she was being treated for severe malnutrition. The combination of these serious health conditions ultimately proved fatal, leading to her untimely passing.
Throughout her career, Chase established herself as a versatile performer in both film and television. Beyond her acclaimed voice work in 'Lilo & Stitch' and the English version of the animated classic 'Spirited Away,' she became widely recognized for her chilling portrayal of Samara in 'The Ring'—a performance that earned her an MTV Award. Beginning in 2006, she appeared in the HBO series 'Big Love,' where she played Rhonda Volmer across 32 episodes. Her other notable credits include appearances in films such as 'Donnie Darko' and 'Beethoven's 5th,' as well as television series including 'Sabrina, the Teenage Witch.'
Topics
Why This Matters
Daveigh Chase's sudden death at 35 highlights the severe health risks associated with untreated malnutrition and infectious diseases like meningitis. Her passing is significant for fans and the entertainment industry, as she voiced iconic characters in beloved animated films and delivered memorable performances in horror and television drama. Her death underscores the importance of early medical intervention and awareness of serious infections that can rapidly escalate to septic shock and organ failure.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2002
WireDaveigh Chase voices Lilo in Disney's 'Lilo & Stitch'
Jan 1, 2006
WireChase joins HBO's 'Big Love' cast as Rhonda Volmer
Jun 17, 2026
WireNews of Daveigh Chase's death at age 35 is announced; she died Tuesday from meningitis and blood infection complications