Actress Daveigh Chase, who voiced Lilo in the 2002 hit Disney film “Lilo & Stitch,” reportedly died Tuesday at the age of 35.
Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, told TMZ Chase passed from meningitis as well as an infection in her blood. He told the outlet they led to septic issues that ultimately caused her body to shut down. Chase was reportedly taken to a Los Angeles hospital due to malnutrition earlier in June.
The former child star also voiced Lilo for the “Lilo & Stitch” television series as well as Chihiro Ogino in “Spirited Away” for the U.S. dub.
She left a lasting impression on fans with her riveting performance as Samara Morgan in the hit 2002 horror film “The Ring,” and went on to secure an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain, according to TMZ.
A crowdfunding page appeared to be launched on GoFundme in Chase’s name prior to the star’s tragic death, with the writer saying they were her boyfriend.
The page addressed Chase’s personal struggles by noting she had a “difficult childhood and a painful falling out with her family,” and was “bullied and struggled to find safety and happiness in downtown LA.”
Daveigh Chase, the voice of Lilo, at the premiere and after-party for “Lilo & Stitch” at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, Ca. Sunday, June 16, 2002. Photo by Kevin Winter/ImageDirect.
The GoFundMe continued, “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.”
“Daveigh was diagnosed with meningitis and several serious blood infections. Her condition has become critical, and the doctors have told me she may not have much time left,” the page read.
“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.”
The GoFundMe requested $5,500, and fans were donating shortly after Chase’s death was announced. (RELATED: Co-Founder Of Legendary Rock Band Chicago, Walter Parazaider, Dead At 81)
In 2006, Chase landed a recurring role in the HBO series “Big Love.” She played the role of Rhonda Volmer during the show’s five seasons on the air, appearing in a total of 32 episodes.
Her other notable appearances include “Donnie Darko,” “Beethoven’s 5th,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” “ER,” “Mercy,” and “Jack Goes Home.”