Daveigh Chase has died at 35. She was best known for her frightening role in the 2002 horror film The Ring.
The former actress reportedly passed away after contracting meningitis and “several serious blood infections” according to her boyfriend Roy Hernandez. He informed TMZ that Daveigh’s health issues resulted in sepsis.
In a GoFundMe page started while Daveigh was receiving treatment, Rory wrote: “Her condition has become critical, and the doctors have told me she may not have much time left. All she ever wanted was a place where we could live together, feel safe, and be happy. Now, more than ever, I want to give her that sense of home and peace in her final days.”
Who was Daveigh Chase?
Daveigh was born on July 24, 1990 to parents Cathy Chase and John Schwallier in Las Vegas, but was raised in Albany, Oregon. When she was just eight, Daveigh landed the lead role in the Disney animated feature Lilo & Stitch.
The young actress, who voiced Lilo Pelekai, went on to win an Annie Award in 2003 for her role. Daveigh’s voice actor career didn’t end there. She also voiced the character in the follow-up TV series, Lilo & Stitch: The Series and voiced the lead character, Chiriro Ogino, in the American dubbed version of Spirited Away.
But, what Daveigh is best known for is her horrifying portrayal of Samara Morgan in The Ring. The 2002 horror film follows an investigative journalist who looks into a cursed VHS tape that deems anyone who watches it to death.
© DreamworksDaveigh won the 2003 Best Villain award at the MTV Movie Awards for her performance, beating out Mike Myers, Colin Farrell, Willem Dafoe, and Daniel Day-Lewis.
After her career high in The Ring, the actress starred in Big Love alongside the late Bill Paxton, and made guest appearances on Touched by an Angel, Charmed, ER, Family Law, and The Practice.
Daveigh left Hollywood in 2017 when she was 27. Her boyfriend said that her life became more difficult, as she dealt with bullying, had a falling out with her family and “struggled to find safety and happiness.”
“When we met, I promised to protect her and give her the love and comfort she deserved. Together, we found moments of happiness and hope,” Roy wrote of his girlfriend to GoFundMe.
© WireImageWhat is meningitis and how does it spread?
“Meningitis is the infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord and can be caused by both bacteria and viruses,” Dr. Ravi Lukha, Medical Director at Bupa UK Insurance explained to HELLO!. He explained that the virus is spread through close contact, such as coughing, sneezing, kissing and can even spread through sharing vapes and cigarettes.
“It usually requires close or prolonged contact between people for transmission,” he noted. “Most people won’t realize they’re carrying [the virus], but sometimes they can lead to a serious infection.”
© Penske Media via Getty ImagesFans remember Daveigh Chase
Daveigh shaped many millennials’ lives, scaring them in The Ring and cheering them up in Lilo & Stitch. After news of her early death went public, fans shared their condolences. One person wrote: “One of the most iconic modern horror characters RIP youngster.”
Another fan commented on a post announcing Daveigh’s death: “Damn, we lost a sister.. ‘Ohana’ means family …” And one person added: “Spirited away was my childhood movie im so sad.”
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