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Los Angeles officials have released a formal finding about Daveigh Chase’s death, naming the medical reasons behind the sudden loss of the actress best known for roles in Ring and Lilo & Stitch. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s report lists serious health issues and substance use as contributing factors, while those close to her say she had been gravely ill in the days before her passing.
What the medical examiner recorded about her death
The official report cites acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) as the primary cause of death. It also notes chronic polysubstance use as a contributing condition. The term describes the repeated use of multiple drugs in a short span and is often linked to more complex health outcomes.
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The medical examiner classified the manner of death as natural. The document provides a clinical account rather than circumstances or intent.
How illness progressed before she died
Hospitalization and infections
According to statements from those close to Chase and later media reports, she was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital earlier in June. Doctors reportedly treated meningitis and several bloodstream infections. Those infections led to sepsis, a life-threatening response that can cause organ failure.
Nutrition and overall decline
Reports say malnutrition was a complicating factor during her hospital stay. Sources indicated her condition worsened quickly in the days prior to her death on June 16. She was 35 years old.
Boyfriend’s account and the fundraising effort
Her partner, Roy Hernandez, publicly appealed for help as Chase’s health deteriorated. He launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for care and comfort during her final days.
- Hernandez described their life together and the hardships Chase faced after leaving her family.
- He said physicians warned that her condition was critical and that there might be limited time left.
- The fundraiser aimed to secure a peaceful, stable place where they could be together in her remaining days.
Timeline of reporting and confirmations
Initial accounts about Chase’s hospitalization and cause of death appeared in entertainment outlets. Us Weekly and TMZ published early updates about her condition and admission history. The medical examiner’s report provides a final, official confirmation of the underlying medical causes.
Notable roles and how she became known
Chase rose to fame as a child actor in the early 2000s. Her performance in the horror film Ring brought wide recognition. She also provided the voice of Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and had memorable parts in other films and TV shows.
- Ring — breakthrough horror role that earned awards attention
- Lilo & Stitch — voice work that reached a global audience
- Donnie Darko and TV roles including Big Love and guest turns on series such as ER
- Final credited appearance came in 2016’s American Romance
She won an MTV Movie Award early in her career for a standout antagonist role, and she later stepped away from regular acting work.
When to seek help and resources
Stories like this often touch on illness, substance use, and mental health struggles. If you or someone you care about needs support, immediate resources exist.
Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential treatment referral and information 24/7.
