[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]
We now have answers in the tragic death of Daveigh Chase.
Less than two weeks after the Lilo & Stitch voice actress suddenly passed away at 35 years old, her heartbreaking cause of death has been revealed.
On Monday, Us Weekly cited the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner in revealing the former child star died of AIDS. According to the M.E., The Ring actress suffered from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, while chronic polysubstance (the use of multiple drugs) was listed as an additional factor.
How incredibly devastating…
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The outlet went on to report that Daveigh spent her final moments in a hospital, where her manner of death was listed as natural. As we previously reported, Daveigh’s boyfriend Roy Hernandez told TMZ she died of meningitis and an infection in her blood, which led to sepsis. Additionally, the voice actress was admitted to a hospital for malnutrition earlier this month.
There has since been confusion surrounding Roy’s connection to Daveigh, though… He set up a GoFundMe in her name, but her ex-manager has urged fans to not donate to it as none of Daveigh’s family members know who he is. The manager revealed:
“I can confirm Daveigh has a SAG trust account with more than enough funds to cover all medical and related expenses.”
In the years leading up to her death, Daveigh was largely MIA. Her friends and family reportedly searched high and low for her, including in LA’s Skid Row. In the wake of her death, Daveigh’s mom Cathy revealed to DailyMail.com she developed a routine of looking up the actress’ name in the coroner’s search systems:
“I would look at their list of unidentified bodies. It was very difficult, but you do everything you can as a mother.”
Our hearts go out to Daveigh’s loved ones during this unfathomable time. Rest in peace.
If you or someone you know is experiencing substance abuse, help is available. Consider checking out the resources SAMHSA provides at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline or check out StartYourRecovery.org
[Images via MEGA/WENN, The Ring/DreamWorks Pictures, Lilo & Stitch/Walt Disney Feature Animation]
