The entertainment world was met with a wave of profound sadness on June 17, 2026, with the news that former child star Daveigh Chase had passed away at the tender age of 35. The actress, who left an indelible mark on a generation with her voice work in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and her chilling performance in the horror classic The Ring, died on June 16. Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, confirmed the tragic news to TMZ, revealing that Chase succumbed to complications from meningitis and a severe blood infection that led to septic shock and, ultimately, organ failure. The beloved star had been hospitalized in Los Angeles earlier that month, reportedly battling malnutrition.
Hernandez, who had been her partner, was the one to share the heartbreaking details of her final days. He had even started a GoFundMe campaign shortly before her death, hoping to provide her with a sense of home and peace as her condition became critical. He described her as a “light in my life” who had faced “more than her share of hardship” after a difficult childhood and a falling out with her family. The loss of such a talented and beloved figure at such a young age has left fans around the world in mourning, reflecting on a career that, while brief, was filled with iconic and memorable performances.
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A Life and Love Cut Short
At the time of her passing, Daveigh Chase was not married and had no children. Her personal life remained largely private, but her relationship with Roy Hernandez was a significant part of her final chapter. While Hernandez stayed out of the Hollywood spotlight during her acting career, he became the primary source of information following her death, confirming the cause and detailing her health struggles.
Daveigh Chase has passed away at 35.
The actress was known for her performance in ‘The Ring,’ as well as voicing Lilo in ‘Lilo & Stitch’ and Chihiro in the English dub of ‘Spirited Away.’ pic.twitter.com/c6Q88CGW0S
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) June 17, 2026
The couple appeared to have a deeply private relationship, choosing to keep their lives away from media scrutiny. Hernandez’s efforts to support Chase during her final weeks, including his heartfelt words in the GoFundMe campaign, showed a partner dedicated to her comfort and peace. There is no public information to suggest they had any children together.
Family, Rumors, and a Private Heart
Daveigh Chase was born on July 24, 1990, in Las Vegas, Nevada, to parents Cathy Chase and John Schwallier. After her parents divorced, she adopted the surname Chase-Schwallier. She grew up in Albany, Oregon, and had a younger brother named Cade. Her family life was not without its struggles; her boyfriend noted that she had a difficult childhood and a painful estrangement from her family.
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In terms of her dating history, aside from her relationship with Hernandez, the actress was very private. Various online sources have linked her to other figures, but these remain unconfirmed rumors. She has been rumored to have had encounters with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and Ashton Kutcher in 2003, and was reportedly in a relationship with actor Erik Per Sullivan in 2009. However, she never publicly confirmed these relationships and largely kept her romantic life out of the public eye. Daveigh Chase’s legacy will live on through her unforgettable roles, a testament to a talent that shone brightly but was gone far too soon.
