Daveigh Chase Jason Merritt/Getty Images Daveigh Chase, best known as the child star in the horror film The Ring and also the voice of Lilo in Lilo & Stitch, has died. She was 35.
The actress’ boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, told TMZ that Chase died Tuesday after battling meningitis and an infection in her blood that led to septic issues.
Born in 1990, Chase rose to fame with several starring roles including 2003’s The Ring. Her role as Samara Morgan spooked audiences and led to a MTV Movie Award for best villain.
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That same year, she also voiced Lilo in Disney’s animated Lilo & Stitch and nabbed an Annie Award for best voice acting in an animated feature production.
She also received nominations at the Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards for both roles.
Chase also is known for roles in Donnie Darko; Big Love, recurring in 32 episodes of the HBO drama; Sabrina the Teenage Witch; ER; Mercy; and Beethoven’s 5th.
Her last acting credit on IMDB.com is in 2016 for the video game Let It Die.
Since then, Chase had several brushes with the law, including charges of drug possession and joyriding in a stolen car. She also was questioned in regards to the death of a man who was left outside a Los Angeles hospital.
Shortly before her death, Hernandez launched a GoFundMe for Chase.
“Daveigh Chase, my girlfriend, has always been a light in my life. Many people know her as a talented childhood actor from Lilo & Stitch, Spirited Away, and Donnie Darko,” he wrote. “But behind the scenes, she’s faced more than her share of hardship. After a difficult childhood and a painful falling out with her family, Daveigh was bullied and struggled to find safety and happiness in downtown LA. 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.
“Recently, everything changed. Daveigh was diagnosed with meningitis and several serious blood infections. 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.
“I understand we all go through things, but if you can help, I will be really grateful for anything. And if you can only give a prayer, I will take that too. Thank you for considering helping us during this difficult time.”
The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to Chase’s rep.
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