Lilo and Stitch actress dies on Skid Row at 35, strung out but 'so close' to help

Lilo & Stitch actress Daveigh Chase died tragically at 35 from meningitis and a blood infection, TMZ reported. The actress, who voiced Lilo in the early 2000s, was reportedly originally admitted to a hospital for malnourishment before she died.

John Ryan, who served as Chase's manager for more than a decade, said he became concerned after seeing a video of Chase appearing severely malnourished and lying on the floor of a trailer. He said he hired a private investigator to help track her location and attempt to get her help. Ryan said he was able to speak with Chase by phone, but she had disappeared by the time he arrived in Skid Row.

“We were so close to finding her,” he told The Post. “Daveigh was the sweetest and brightest light in Hollywood. I can’t believe this is real. Her legacy and work will live on forever.”

Chase had seemingly been on a downward spiral in recent years, having been arrested on a misdemeanor drug possession charge in 2018 and detained as a passenger in a stolen BMW in 2017. 

Ryan has also fueled questions about Chase’s alleged boyfriend’s GoFundMe campaign and insinuated that he was being opportunistic.

“Apparently, a man claiming to be her ‘boyfriend,’ whom none of us friends or her family has ever heard of, has set up a GoFundMe on her and her family’s behalf and listed her as the organizer. I can confirm Daveigh has a trust account set up at SAG to cover all costs,” he told The Post.

Roy Hernandez, the individual who set up the GoFundMe, has raised about $1,400 so far and has not confirmed where the money will go.

Hernandez mourned Chase in the GoFundMe campaign.

“After a difficult childhood and a painful falling out with her family, Daveigh was bullied and struggled to find safety and happiness in downtown LA,” he wrote. “When we met, I promised to protect her and give her the love and comfort she deserved. Together, we found moments of happiness and hope. All she ever wanted was a place where we could live together, feel safe, and be happy. Now, more than ever, I want to give her that sense of home and peace in her final days.

“I understand we all go through things, but if you can help, I will be really grateful for anything. And if you can only give a prayer, I will take that too. Thank you for considering helping us during this difficult time.”