Child star
The cause of death of actress Daveigh Chase has now been officially confirmed. The star, best known for her role in The Ring in 2002, passed away earlier this month at the age of 35.
On 16 June, it was announced that Chase, who also provided the voice of Lilo Pelekai in the beloved 2002 Disney film Lilo and Stitch, had died following a sudden deterioration in her health. The precise cause has now been made public, The Mirror reports.
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It has been confirmed that the actress died from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), with a Los Angeles medical examiner's report officially listing this as her cause of death. Additional significant conditions, including chronic polysubstance use, were also noted in the report.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, chronic polysubstance use is defined as "using more than one substance and following a pattern of use that affects your health and quality of life."
Her death was classified as natural after she passed away in hospital. In the wake of her death, her boyfriend Roy Hernandez told TMZ that she had died after contracting meningitis and suffering "several serious blood infections."
In the days prior to her death, he had launched a GoFundMe page in a bid to assist with the mounting cost of her medical treatment, during which he spoke candidly about the former child star's troubled upbringing.
He wrote: "But behind the scenes, she's faced more than her share of hardship. After a difficult childhood and a painful falling out with her family, Daveigh was bullied and struggled to find safety and happiness in downtown LA.
"When we met, I promised to protect her and give her the love and comfort she deserved. Together, we found moments of happiness and hope.
"Recently, everything changed. Daveigh was diagnosed with meningitis and several serious blood infections. Her condition has become critical, and the doctors have told me she may not have much time left.
"All she ever wanted was a place where we could live together, feel safe, and be happy. Now, more than ever, I want to give her that sense of home and peace in her final days.
"I understand we all go through things, but if you can help, I will be really grateful for anything. And if you can only give a prayer, I will take that too. Thank you for considering helping us during this difficult time."
Nevertheless, her former manager and close friend of many years, John Ryan, strongly advised fans against contributing to the fundraiser after news emerged of her death. He maintained that the star's "estate has plenty of means to pay for the cremation".
He further stated in a statement to Deadline that her father, John Schwallier, has "never signed any paperwork over to this so-called boyfriend".
The statement read: "That GoFundMe is not going toward ANY expenses for Daveigh. Myself, her father, her uncle and all of us close friends who knew her for decades are encouraging people not to donate to this page.
"This man making these claims brought her into the hospital in terrible condition and didn't let any of the family know until she passed so he can control the dialogue."