Harrowing Footage Shows ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Actress Daveigh Chase Skin and Bones Living on Skid Row Months Before Her Death

Daveigh Chase’s Struggles Unveiled: The Shocking Skid Row Footage

In a tragic turn of events, harrowing footage has surfaced showing Daveigh Chase, the beloved actress known for her iconic role as Lilo in Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch,” living in dire conditions on skid row just months before her untimely death. The video, which was briefly posted on social media before being removed, depicts Chase in a severely malnourished state, barely conscious and lying on the floor of what appeared to be a tent or makeshift shelter.

Daveigh Chase’s manager of over a decade, John Ryan, revealed that he and Chase’s stepsister, Gaia Brown, had been desperately trying to locate and assist her. About a year prior to her passing, they even hired a private investigator to track her down and offer help. Ryan explained that when he was alerted to the video at the end of 2025, he immediately attempted to reach Chase and arrange for her rescue and treatment. Unfortunately, by the time he arrived at skid row, she had vanished.

This footage starkly contrasts with the vibrant and talented actress Chase was known to be in her earlier years. It highlights the severe hardships she endured during the last decade of her life, including addiction and homelessness, which ultimately led to her tragic demise.

The Life and Legacy of Daveigh Chase: From Hollywood Stardom to Personal Battles

Daveigh Chase rose to fame as the voice of Lilo in the 2002 Disney animated classic “Lilo & Stitch,” a role that endeared her to audiences worldwide. She also gained recognition for her chilling portrayal of Samara Morgan in the horror film “The Ring.” Despite her early success, Chase’s later years were marked by a series of personal struggles.

Her manager disclosed that Chase battled addiction and experienced periods of homelessness, which severely affected her health and career. Prior to her death, she had not appeared in any major film or television roles for nearly a decade, with her last notable performances being in the 2016 films “Jack Goes Home” and “American Romance.”

Tragically, Daveigh Chase passed away on June 17, 2026, from meningitis and a severe blood infection. Reports confirmed that she had been hospitalized for extreme malnourishment shortly before her death. Her passing has left a void in the entertainment world and among her fans, who remember her as a bright and talented individual.

Efforts to Help and the Controversy Surrounding Fundraising

In the months leading up to her death, Chase’s loved ones made significant efforts to provide her with the care and support she desperately needed. John Ryan and Gaia Brown had plans to rehabilitate her in a facility in Costa Rica after stabilizing her condition in Los Angeles. Ryan was also developing a documentary titled “Finding Lilo,” which aimed to chronicle the search for Chase and shed light on her struggles. The project had garnered interest from major studios.

However, complicating matters was a GoFundMe campaign set up by a man claiming to be Chase’s boyfriend, Roy Hernandez. According to Ryan, neither Chase’s family nor friends were aware of Hernandez, and the fundraiser’s legitimacy was questioned. The campaign, which sought $5,500, had raised only about $1,400 and lacked clear information on how the funds would be used. Ryan emphasized that Chase had a trust account through SAG to cover her expenses, suggesting that the GoFundMe was unnecessary and potentially exploitative.

Hernandez’s eulogy on the fundraising page painted a picture of Chase’s difficult childhood and struggles with bullying and homelessness. He expressed a desire to provide her with safety and happiness in her final days and appealed for donations or prayers to support them during this challenging time.

Remembering Daveigh Chase: A Call to Support Those Battling Addiction and Homelessness

The heartbreaking story of Daveigh Chase serves as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities faced by many individuals battling addiction and homelessness, even those who once enjoyed fame and success. Her journey underscores the importance of compassion, early intervention, and comprehensive support systems to help vulnerable people reclaim their lives.

As fans and members of the community reflect on Chase’s legacy, it is crucial to advocate for increased awareness and resources dedicated to mental health and addiction treatment. By doing so, we honor her memory and contribute to preventing similar tragedies in the future.

Conclusion

Daveigh Chase’s story is a powerful testament to the struggles that can lie beneath the surface of fame. The harrowing footage of her living on skid row months before her death highlights the urgent need for support and understanding for those facing addiction and homelessness. As we remember the talented actress who brought joy to many through her roles, let us also commit to raising awareness and offering help to those in need. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to seek assistance—help is available, and recovery is possible. Together, we can make a difference.