Meghalt Daveigh Chase, a Donnie Darko és A kör színésznője

Former child actress Daveigh Chase has died at age 35 following complications from meningitis and sepsis, according to TMZ. Her friend Roy Hernandez reported that Chase passed away Tuesday after suffering multi-organ failure. She had been hospitalized in Los Angeles in early June for malnutrition.

Why did Daveigh Chase die?

The actress died Tuesday after meningitis led to sepsis, which eventually caused several of her organs to fail, according to Roy Hernandez. TMZ reports that Chase’s health struggles began earlier in the month. She was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital in early June due to malnutrition.

Did You Know? Daveigh Chase provided the voice for both Lilo in Disney’s 2002 film “Lilo & Stitch” and Chihiro Ogino in the Japanese animated film “Spirited Away.”

What roles was Daveigh Chase known for?

Chase gained widespread recognition for her role as Samara Morgan in the 2002 remake of the horror film “The Ring.” She also appeared in the 2001 psychological thriller “Donnie Darko,” where she played Samantha, the sister of the main character played by Jake Gyllenhaal.

Her career extended into voice acting and lead roles. Beyond her work in “Lilo & Stitch” and its subsequent television series, she starred in the 2009 film “S. Darko,” a spin-off focusing on the character of the younger sibling.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the trajectory of Chase’s career—from iconic voice roles to the face of a major horror franchise—highlights the versatility required of child performers. The transition from these high-visibility early roles to adult life often presents complex personal and professional challenges.

What may happen next?

The entertainment industry could see a wave of tributes from former co-stars and production studios. It is likely that fans of the “Donnie Darko” and “Lilo & Stitch” franchises will share retrospectives of her early work.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old was Daveigh Chase when she died?
She was 35 years old.

What were the medical causes of her death?
According to Roy Hernandez, she died from sepsis caused by meningitis, which led to multi-organ failure.

Which movies did Daveigh Chase appear in?
She appeared in “The Ring” (2002), “Donnie Darko” (2001), and “S. Darko” (2009), and provided voices for “Lilo & Stitch” and “Spirited Away.”

Which of Daveigh Chase’s roles do you remember most?