John Schwallier, the father of former child actress Daveigh Chase, has spoken publicly after the confirmation of her cause of death, stating that the diagnosis did not surprise him given her well-documented struggles with addiction and homelessness. Chase died at a Los Angeles hospital on June 16 at the age of 35.
Cause of Death Confirmed
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled that Chase's cause of death was acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), with chronic polysubstance use listed as another significant condition. The manner of death was determined to be natural.
In an interview with The California Post, Schwallier said, "It is what it is. It's something you sometimes have to expect with the lifestyle she was living." He acknowledged that he had not seen his daughter in person since she was about six years old, though they maintained telephone contact during her upbringing.
Remains and Legal Action
Schwallier revealed that Chase's remains have been entrusted to her mother, Cathy. He stated his intention to pursue legal action to obtain some of his daughter's cremated remains, explaining that he hopes to keep them in a handmade box at his home in the Philippines. "I had an empty feeling inside for not being with her for all these years," he said.
Career and Later Struggles
Chase was best known for voicing Lilo in Disney's Lilo & Stitch and Chihiro in the English-language version of Spirited Away. She also appeared in films such as The Ring. Her final on-screen role was in the 2016 thriller American Romance, after which she withdrew from public life.
According to reports, Chase spent years battling addiction and homelessness in Los Angeles. Friends and her long-time manager reportedly attempted to persuade her to enter rehabilitation.
GoFundMe Questions
A GoFundMe campaign created by a man claiming to be Chase's boyfriend has raised questions. Her long-time manager stated that neither Chase's family nor close friends knew the organizer, casting doubt on the campaign's legitimacy.
