LILO & STITCH VOICE ACTRESS DAVEIGH CHASE DIES AT 35

Daveigh Chase, who provided the original voice of Lilo Pelekai in the 2002 Disney film Lilo & Stitch, has died at the age of 35. She passed away on Tuesday following a sudden health battle. Roy Hernandez, with whom Chase was in a relationship, told media outlets that she died of meningitis. Chase had been admitted to hospital earlier this month owing to malnutrition.

Hernandez stated that Chase developed an infection in her blood that caused septic issues, ultimately leading to her body shutting down. Chase voiced the character of Lilo throughout much of the Lilo & Stitch franchise. She also appeared in the 2002 film The Ring, where she played Samara Morgan and won an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain. Chase featured in the television series Big Love and Donnie Darko.

Chase's death marks the loss of a performer who contributed to several significant entertainment projects across film and television. Her role in Lilo & Stitch established her as a recognisable figure in Disney's animated catalogue. The circumstances surrounding her hospitalisation and subsequent death have been confirmed by those close to her.