Daveigh Chase’s dad just reacted to her shocking cause of death. The child star, who was best known for her frightening role in the 2002 horror film The Ring, died on June 16, 2026.
Per the Los Angeles County’s Medical Examiner, it has been confirmed that the actress died of “Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome,” otherwise known as AIDS.
“Chronic Polysubstance Use” was listed as a secondary cause, which can usually indicate a battle with substance abuse or, in some cases, an intentional overdose.
While Daveigh was not close to her family at her time of death, her father spoke out about his daughter’s cause of death. In an interview with the California Post, the actress’s dad, John Schwallier, opened up about how he had not seen the child star since she was about six years old, although they spoke periodically on the phone during her childhood. Her remains went to her mother Cathy, but John explained he was willing to go to court in order to get some of his daughter’s cremated remains if he has to, and plans on putting them in a handmade box in his home in the Philippines if and when they’re obtained.
© Penske Media via Getty Images“I had an empty feeling inside for not being with her for all these years,” he added.
John also shared that said the cause of Daveigh’s death “doesn’t surprise” him and added: “it is what it is” and that “it’s something you sometimes have to expect with the lifestyle she was living.”
Daveigh Chase’s previously revealed health issues
After Daveigh’s death was announced, John previously told the New York Times that she had died from “complications of bacterial meningitis and a blood infection,” and was homeless and living with her boyfriend in Los Angeles near the hospital.
© GoFundMeThe child star’s boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, told TMZ that she had contracted sepsis due to “several serious blood infections.” He started a GoFundMe page to care for her during her final days.
“Daveigh was diagnosed with meningitis and several serious blood infections,” he’d written at the time, although his request for funds was later questioned by her former manager. “Her condition has become critical, and the doctors have told me she may not have much time left.”
Daveigh’s difficult final years
Per Daveigh’s estranged parents, she had developed substance abuse issues by 2015, during which she slowly bowed out of the entertainment industry. She exited the public eye altogether by the following year, and then became estranged from most of her family and friends.
© Getty ImagesHer father told NYT that she had struggled with addiction when she was just 13, falling out with her mother at 19, which was the last time he’d spoken with her. Daveigh then struggled with homelessness and illness, and was reportedly living near Skid Row in LA at the time of her death.
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