Actors starting out as young talent have a way of making a mark through their performances. In the case of Daveigh Chase, her early output saw roles in the recently reissued The Ring and Lilo & Stitch catapult her into the limelight. Able to both chill and warm an audience’s heart, Ms. Chase is an undeniable fixture of two early aughts masterpieces that continue to endure.
Sadly, that remembrance is bittersweet, as she has been reported dead at age 35. What’s makes this shocking loss even more upsetting is how this untimely passing brings to light allegations of a struggle that most of her fans may not know about.
Daveigh Chase’s Death Comes After A Reportedly Prolonged Health Battle
Reporting from TMZ cites boyfriend Roy Hernandez as the source of this tragic news; which comes only a day after starting a campaign to ease his girlfriend’s burden. That information comes from a GoFundMe page set up for Daveigh Chase’s care. Those details are as follows:
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.
Born in 1990, Daveigh Chase’s career saw her build an impressive resume rather quickly. Making her debut as a guest star in a 1998 episode of Sabrina, The Teenage Witch, her TV credits also include gigs on E.R., Charmed, and The Practice – all within the span of two years. Though her breakout roles in The Ring and Lilo & Stitch saw Chase’s career gaining steam even faster.
Allegedly, the Donnie Darko star’s health issues ran parallel with her recent treatment for malnutrition – per details in TMZ’s reporting. What’s more, the unseen struggles of the Spirited Away voice’s life appear to have been a part of her unfortunate death.
The Reported Unseen Struggle Of Daveigh Chase
In the preface of the GoFundMe campaign set up for Ms. Chase’s care, Roy Hernandez includes details that appear to be new to the public at large. Setting up the path that supposedly led to her health concerns, Hernandez offered these supplemental notes about their relationship:
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. 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.
Naturally there comes a bit of scrutiny when such claims become public knowledge. After all, no one truly knows what happened between Daveigh Chase and her family – except the parties involved. At the same time, the narrative Mr. Hernandez is painting is one that the world is sadly familiar with in the case of former child stars. All one can really say is that Chase’s choice to retire from acting, after 2016’s American Romance, also saw her step away from public life.
What truly matters at this time is the fact that while Ms. Chase is now gone before her time, her brief but impressive legacy of work will continue to endure. It’s with that in mind that we here at THS offer our deepest condolences to Roy Hernandez, as well as Daveigh Chase’s family and friends, as they navigate this time of mourning.
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