Who Was Daveigh Chase? 5 Things to Know About ‘The Ring’ Actress Who Died at 35
Daveigh Chase, known for her roles in 'Lilo & Stitch' and 'The Ring', passed away at 35. Here are five key facts about her life and career.
Daveigh Chase, widely recognized for her voice role in Disney's 2002 animated film 'Lilo & Stitch' and her portrayal of the character Samara Morgan in the horror film 'The Ring', passed away at the age of 35 in June 2026. Her death followed a series of health complications, which included meningitis and blood infections that resulted in septic issues, ultimately causing her body to shut down.
Chase is perhaps best known for her role as Rhonda Volmer in the HBO series 'Big Love'. In addition to her notable performances, she voiced the character Lilo Pelekai in the beloved Disney franchise 'Lilo & Stitch' and starred in the 2002 film 'The Ring', where she delivered a chilling performance as the terrifying girl who crawled out of a well. This role earned her the 'Best Villain' accolade at the 2003 MTV Movie Awards. Throughout her career, she made guest appearances on several popular television shows, including 'Charmed' and 'ER'.
Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Chase was raised in Albany, Oregon, as noted on her IMDb page. Her early start in the entertainment industry began with performances in her hometown at the tender age of three. By 1999, she had the opportunity to showcase her singing talent as the lead singer for a band that opened for country music star Reba McEntire. Additionally, renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg selected her to perform 'God Bless America' for his 2001 film 'A.I. Artificial Intelligence'.
In her final year, Chase faced multiple legal issues. According to a GoFundMe page set up by her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, the couple met in Los Angeles, California, where they developed a romantic relationship that lasted until her death. Hernandez expressed his commitment to Chase, stating, '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.'
Unfortunately, Chase's health deteriorated rapidly. On June 17, 2026, her boyfriend informed TMZ that she had been hospitalized earlier that month due to malnutrition, which contributed to her declining condition.
