Actress Daveigh Chase, renowned for voicing Lilo in the popular Disney movie Lilo & Stitch, passed away at 35 this week.
Chase succumbed to meningitis and a blood infection at a Los Angeles hospital on Tuesday, as confirmed by her father, John David Schwallier, to The New York Times.
According to her father, she was homeless and residing with her partner near the hospital where she passed away.
Her partner, Roy Hernandez, informed TMZ that she had been hospitalized since early June due to malnutrition.
Besides her notable role in 2002’s Lilo & Stitch, she lent her voice to various spinoffs of the film and also voiced the protagonist in Hayao Miyzaki’s acclaimed animated movie Spirited Away.
Originally from Las Vegas, Chase appeared in numerous movies and TV series, such as portraying the younger sister of Jake Gyllenhaal’s character in 2001’s Donnie Darko and playing the antagonist Samara opposite Naomi Watts in the 2002 remake of the Japanese horror film The Ring.
She received the 2002 Annie Award for best young artist for her work in Lilo & Stitch and the 2003 MTV Movie Award for best villain for her role in The Ring.
Chase had a recurring role throughout all five seasons of the HBO series Big Love and made guest appearances on ER, Touched by an Angel, Family Law, and Without a Trace.
Her most recent credited appearance was in the 2016 film American Romance.
Prior to her demise, Chase’s partner had initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist her during her hospitalization.
“After enduring a challenging upbringing and a painful estrangement from her family, Daveigh faced bullying and struggled to find refuge and joy in downtown L.A. When we connected, I vowed to shield her and provide the love and solace she deserved. Together, we discovered moments of joy and optimism,” Hernandez expressed.
“Her only wish was for us to have a place where we could reside together, feel secure, and be happy,” he added.
The campaign garnered over $4,000 US, with most contributions flooding in within the initial 24 hours post her passing.