The official cause of death for former child actress Daveigh Chase has been confirmed as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), with chronic polysubstance use listed as another significant condition. The Los Angeles medical examiner's records, obtained by Us Weekly, state that Chase died in a hospital and that the manner of death was natural.
Details from Medical Examiner Records
According to the records, Chase, 35, succumbed to AIDS, a condition that severely weakens the immune system. Chronic polysubstance use was noted as an additional contributing factor. The report did not specify the exact timeline of her diagnosis or treatment.
Boyfriend's Statement and GoFundMe Campaign
Chase's boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, confirmed her death to TMZ on June 17, stating she had died the previous day. He initially reported that she had been battling meningitis and a blood infection that developed into sepsis. Prior to her death, Hernandez launched a GoFundMe campaign detailing her health struggles. He wrote: “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, but behind the scenes, she’s faced more than her share of hardship.” He added, “Her condition has become critical, and the doctors have told me she may not have much time left.”
Former Manager Raises Questions
Following Chase's death, her former manager, John Ryan, questioned the legitimacy of the fundraiser. He told TMZ, “A man claiming to be Daveigh’s boyfriend has launched a GoFundMe page purportedly on behalf of Daveigh and her family.” Ryan claimed that Chase had “a SAG trust account with more than enough funds to cover all medical and related expenses” and urged supporters not to donate until the organizer's identity could be verified. Hernandez rejected those claims, telling TMZ they were “100 percent” false and stating that the fundraiser was intended to help pay for Chase's memorial.
Career and Later Life
Chase was best known for her childhood roles in Donnie Darko, Lilo & Stitch, and The Ring, and later appeared in the HBO series Big Love. She largely withdrew from public life in her later years, making her final on-screen appearance in the 2016 film American Romance. Her death has prompted reflection on her contributions to film and television, as well as the challenges she faced away from the spotlight.
