The Los Angeles County medical examiner has confirmed that former child actor Daveigh Chase died of complications from AIDS. The announcement was made public on July 1, 2026, ending weeks of speculation about the cause of death for the 35-year-old performer.
Cause of Death Revealed
According to the medical examiner's office, the official cause of death was AIDS-related complications. Chase had been undergoing treatment for the disease in the months leading up to her death. The coroner's report did not specify when she was diagnosed or any other details about her medical history.
Chase died on June 15, 2026, at her home in Los Angeles. Her family had previously released a statement requesting privacy but did not disclose the cause of death.
Career Highlights
Daveigh Chase began her acting career as a child, gaining fame for her role as the young Samara Morgan in the 2002 horror film The Ring. She also provided the voice of Lilo in Disney's animated feature Lilo & Stitch (2002) and its subsequent direct-to-video sequels and television series. On television, she appeared in HBO's Big Love as a recurring character.
Chase's performance in The Ring earned her critical acclaim and a nomination for the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain. She continued acting into her early adulthood, with her last credited role in a 2015 independent film.
Reactions and Legacy
Following the news of her death, tributes poured in from colleagues and fans. Disney released a statement saying, 'Daveigh brought the spirit of Lilo to life with warmth and humor. She will be missed.'
The revelation that Chase died of AIDS has drawn attention to the ongoing stigma surrounding the disease. AIDS activists have used the news to call for increased awareness and funding for HIV/AIDS research and treatment. 'Her passing is a tragic reminder that AIDS is still a serious health crisis,' said Dr. Emily Rosen, an infectious disease specialist at UCLA.
Public Health Context
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and about 13% of those are unaware of their infection. While advances in antiretroviral therapy have dramatically reduced AIDS-related deaths, the disease remains a leading cause of death among certain populations.
Chase's death has sparked conversations about the need for better access to healthcare and education about HIV prevention, particularly among young adults.
