Daveigh Chase, the former child star best known for her role in 'The Ring,' died in June 2026 at age 35 from AIDS. Contrary to public belief that she died penniless and homeless, court documents reveal she had $400,000 (approximately £299,500) in assets.
Life and Career
Chase rose to fame as a child actress in major films such as 'Lilo & Stitch,' 'Spirited Away,' and 'Donnie Darko,' and appeared in TV shows like 'Charmed,' 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch,' and 'CSI.' She left her career behind in 2016 after a family fallout, becoming homeless and living with her boyfriend Roy Hernandez in an RV in Los Angeles.
Final Days and Cause of Death
Two weeks before her death, Chase was hospitalized for malnutrition. The Los Angeles Coroner's Office listed her cause of death as AIDS, with a secondary cause of 'chronic polysubstance use.' Her father stated she had battled drug addiction since age 13.
Estate and Family Dispute
Documents filed by her mother Cathy, who petitioned to become estate administrator, showed $400,000 in assets. Cathy claimed that Daveigh's father John is 'residing in the Philippines with an unknown address' but 'keeps properties' in Las Vegas.
GoFundMe Controversy
Before her death, boyfriend Roy Hernandez set up a GoFundMe to help Chase 'find comfort and peace.' He wrote: '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.'
However, her former manager John Ryan urged fans not to donate, stating: 'Apparently, a man claiming to be her boyfriend that none of us friends or her family has heard of has set up a GoFundMe.' Ryan also claimed Chase had a trust account at SAG to cover costs and 'millions' in unclaimed residual checks.
