Approximately two weeks after the death of Daveigh Chase (1990-2026) became public, the cause of death has been determined. As announced by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, the death of the former actress at the age of only 35 was classified as natural.
The report lists "Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome", or AIDS, as the cause of death. This refers to a group of disease symptoms that occur in advanced HIV disease. According to the German AIDS Foundation, HIV transmission occurs in most cases through unprotected intimate relations or substance use. Chronic consumption of various substances is cited in the autopsy report as a significant contributing condition.
According to US media reports, both Chase's boyfriend and her father confirmed the death of the ex-actress. Her father told the "New York Times" that she allegedly had substance abuse problems since the age of 13. He had not spoken with his daughter since she was 19 years old. Shortly before her passing, his daughter's boyfriend contacted him, allowing him to visit Daveigh at a hospital in Los Angeles.
Daveigh Chase was a former child star
Chase became known primarily for a voice role and for portraying an extremely well-known character among horror fans. She achieved her breakthrough as the voice of title character Lilo in Disney's animated film "Lilo & Stitch". In the following years, she reprised the role in sequels and series formats. In the film "The Ring", a US remake of the Japanese horror film "Ringu", she played the girl Samara Morgan. She had additional appearances in films including "Donnie Darko" and "Sabrina - Total verhext". She had no new roles since 2016.
The German AIDS Foundation was established in 1983 and has been advocating for affected individuals ever since. A cure for HIV is not yet possible, but the disease is "highly treatable". The organization offers telephone and online counseling as well as in-person counseling services, among other things.
For addiction and substance abuse problems in Germany, the phone number 01806/31 30 31 of the "Addiction & Substance Hotline" can be contacted. Those seeking help can call according to the Federal Institute for Public Health daily between 08:00 and 24:00. Calls from landline and mobile networks cost 20 cents.
