Former child star Daveigh Chase died at 35, following years of drug addiction and homelessness, according to The Independent. Chase, renowned for her roles in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and the horror film The Ring, passed away on June 16, 2026, shortly after being hospitalized.
What happened
Chase’s mother, Cathy, expressed deep sorrow over her daughter’s struggles, stating, “She was completely gone, like, out of her mind.” She described observing a drastic change in Chase’s behavior following her imprisonment in Los Angeles on burglary charges. Cathy’s comments reveal a heart-wrenching search for her daughter as she attempted to bring her back to safety.
Cathy noted that Chase, after suffering a motorcycle accident in 2016, became increasingly involved with the wrong crowd. This led to a painful spiral into drug use, culminating in her mother’s heartbreaking discovery of a frail Chase in a video recorded at the end of 2025. “She was obviously drugged out of her mind. She was nothing but skin and bones,” Cathy said.
Why it matters
The tragic story of Daveigh Chase underscores the devastating impact of addiction and mental health issues, particularly among those who experience early fame. It raises questions about the support systems available for young actors who struggle after their initial success fades. The narrative illustrates the complexities of addiction and the painful journey for families attempting to help loved ones.
Background
On June 16, 2026, Chase was reported dead shortly after being hospitalized for malnutrition, meningitis, and a blood infection. She had not acted since 2016 and had a history of erratic behavior, including multiple arrests. Her management recalls that reports were never filed for her disappearance, as Chase frequently chose to withdraw from social circles.
On May 20, 2025, Cathy received a distressing video of her daughter, which catalyzed her renewed efforts to locate Chase. The actress had previously gained fame for her role as Samantha in Donnie Darko and appearances in television series like Big Love and Charmed.
What’s next
A memorial service for Chase is expected to be held in Los Angeles in the coming weeks, offering a gathering for friends and family to honor her memory and discuss the broader issues surrounding addiction in the entertainment industry.
