On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the entertainment world mourned the loss of Daveigh Chase, the American actress and singer best known for voicing Lilo Pelekai in *Lilo & Stitch* and portraying Samara Morgan in the horror film *The Ring*.

Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, confirmed the news to TMZ, revealing that Chase passed away due to severe meningitis and a bloodstream infection that led to septic complications and multiple organ failure. Earlier this month, she had been hospitalized in Los Angeles for malnutrition-related issues.

Chase’s career was marked by iconic roles that left a lasting impact on pop culture. From a young age, she captivated Hollywood with her versatility both in front of the camera and behind the microphone. In 2002, she landed two of her most memorable roles: the lovable Hawaiian girl Lilo and the terrifying Samara Morgan, the ghostly child who haunted audiences through a cursed VHS tape. Her chilling performance earned her the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain that year.

In 2006, she expanded her repertoire with the role of Rhonda Volmer in HBO’s *Big Love*, appearing in 32 episodes across five seasons. Additionally, she lent her voice to Chihiro Ogino in the English dub of the acclaimed Japanese animated film *Spirited Away*.

Beyond these standout roles, Chase contributed to numerous film and television projects, leaving a significant mark on the entertainment industry. Her passing at just 35 years old is a profound loss to fans and colleagues alike.