Los Angeles medical examiner says former child star Daveigh Chase died of AIDS

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office disclosed that Daveigh Chase, who voiced the title character in Disney's 2002 film "Lilo & Stitch" and played Samara Morgan in the horror movie "The Ring," died on June 16 at age 35 from AIDS. The report also listed chronic polysubstance use as a significant condition that may have contributed to her natural death.

Chase, whose legal name was Daveigh Schwallier, had previously been reported by her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, as suffering from meningitis and serious blood infections. Hernandez created a GoFundMe campaign before her death, describing her condition as critical.

"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," Hernandez wrote.

He added that Chase had faced personal hardships, including a difficult childhood and a strained relationship with her family, and that he had promised to protect and support her.

"After a difficult childhood and a painful falling out with her family, Daveigh was bullied and struggled to find safety and happiness in downtown L.A.," Hernandez said.

Born in Las Vegas and raised in Oregon, Chase appeared as a child in television series such as "Charmed," "ER" and "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," and had a role in the film "Donnie Darko" (2001). In addition to her voice work for Disney, she provided the English voice of Chihiro Ogino in the dubbed version of the Japanese animated film "Spirited Away" and acted in the HBO drama "Big Love" alongside Bill Paxton.