Child Star’s Final Days End in Heartbreak

Clear Facts

• Daveigh Chase, known for voicing Lilo in Disney’s ‘Lilo & Stitch’ and appearing in ‘The Ring,’ died at age 34 on May 15
• Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled the death accidental, caused by fentanyl and methamphetamine toxicity
• Chase publicly battled substance abuse since age 13, documenting her struggles on social media in recent years

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has officially determined that former child star Daveigh Chase died from an accidental drug overdose. The 34-year-old actress, beloved by millions for voicing the character Lilo in Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch,” passed away on May 15 after ingesting a lethal combination of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Chase’s death certificate, obtained by TMZ, lists the manner of death as accidental. The toxicology report revealed the presence of both fentanyl—a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin—and methamphetamine in her system at the time of death.

Daveigh Chase, who voiced Lilo in “Lilo & Stitch” and starred in “The Ring,” died of AIDS, according to the LA coroner’s office.

A secondary cause was listed as “chronic polysubstance use.” Chase’s father told the New York Times that she had been homeless and had struggled with… pic.twitter.com/U9oN4F0NPA

— Variety (@Variety) June 29, 2026

The young actress had been open about her long battle with addiction, which she said began when she was just 13 years old. In candid social media posts over recent years, Chase detailed her struggles with substance abuse, offering her followers glimpses into the devastating impact of addiction on her life and career.

Chase first captured America’s heart as the voice of Lilo Pelekai in the 2002 Disney animated film “Lilo & Stitch” and its subsequent sequels and television series. She also gained recognition for her chilling performance as Samara Morgan in the 2002 horror film “The Ring,” one of the highest-grossing horror remakes in American cinema history.

Her career included appearances in numerous television shows and films throughout the early 2000s. She worked steadily as a child actress, earning praise for her natural talent and on-screen presence during Hollywood’s family entertainment boom of that era.

The fentanyl crisis continues to devastate communities across America, claiming tens of thousands of lives annually. The synthetic opioid, often mixed with other drugs without users’ knowledge, has become the leading cause of overdose deaths among Americans aged 18-45, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Chase’s death underscores the ongoing addiction epidemic affecting Americans from all walks of life, including those who achieved success and fame at young ages. Child stars face unique pressures and challenges that can contribute to substance abuse issues later in life, a pattern that has repeated itself tragically throughout Hollywood history.

Her family has not released an official statement regarding the medical examiner’s findings. Friends and former colleagues have expressed their grief on social media, remembering Chase for her talent, warmth, and the joy she brought to millions of children through her iconic voice work.

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