Daveigh Chase, the actress best known for her role as Samara Morgan in the 2002 horror film The Ring and as the voice of Lilo in Disney's Lilo & Stitch, died in June at age 35 while homeless. According to court documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Chase left a six-figure estate valued at $400,000 (approximately £299,500). Her mother, Cathy Chase, submitted a request on July 8 to be appointed administrator of her daughter's estate, as Chase died without a will.
Cause of Death and Health Struggles
The Los Angeles Coroner's Office ruled that Chase died of AIDS, with chronic polysubstance use listed as a secondary cause. Reports indicate she had been battling a sudden and severe HIV infection in her final months. Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, set up a GoFundMe campaign during her final days, writing that she had faced a difficult childhood and a painful falling out with her family, leading to homelessness and struggles with addiction.
Career and Legacy
Chase rose to fame as a child star. She voiced Chihiro Ogino in the 2001 Japanese animated film Spirited Away and won the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain for her role in The Ring. She also had a recurring role as Rhonda Volmer in the HBO series Big Love and appeared in films such as Donnie Darko, Beethoven's 5th, and TV shows including Sabrina the Teenage Witch, ER, and Mercy. Despite her professional success, Chase faced significant personal challenges. She never married and had no children.
Details of the Estate
The probate documents revealed that Chase's assets totaled $400,000. Her mother's petition to administer the estate is pending in Los Angeles Superior Court. Chase's parents confirmed she was homeless at the time of her death. Hernandez, in his GoFundMe appeal, stated, "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." He added, "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."
