Frantic Search for ‘The Ring’ Actress Preceded Tragic Passing
In the months leading up to her untimely death at the age of 35, actress Daveigh Chase’s manager and stepsister engaged in a desperate search for her, seeking her out among the homeless population of Los Angeles. Chase, known for her iconic roles in “The Ring” and “Lilo & Stitch,” had seemingly vanished from public life years prior.
Years-Long Effort to Locate the Vanished Star
John Ryan, Chase’s manager for over a decade, and her stepsister Gaia Brown had been trying to reconnect with the former child star for years. Their efforts intensified, leading them to the challenging environment of Skid Row in Downtown Los Angeles. Ryan shared that in 2025, a private investigator was hired to help locate Chase and facilitate much-needed assistance.
Reports indicate that Chase’s passing followed a period of hospitalization for malnutrition. Her boyfriend confirmed her death on Tuesday, detailing a severe health battle that included meningitis, a blood infection, and sepsis.
Disturbing Social Media Video Sparked Urgent Search
According to Ryan, a since-deleted social media video surfaced late last year, allegedly showing a severely emaciated Chase living on Skid Row. The footage depicted a dangerously thin individual appearing to struggle to stay awake, situated in what seemed to be a tent or trailer. Sources close to Chase suggested her weight may have dwindled to as low as 75 pounds during this period.
Ryan managed to make phone contact with Chase and immediately traveled to Skid Row with the intention of helping her recover. Plans were in motion to get her into a rehabilitation facility in Costa Rica once she was well enough to travel. However, their efforts were thwarted when Chase had reportedly “disappeared” by the time Ryan arrived on Skid Row.
“We were so close to finding her,” Ryan stated, expressing the proximity of their search. Friends of Chase reportedly continued their search on Skid Row for weeks without success.
A Loved One’s Fond Farewell and Documentary Plans
“Daveigh was the sweetest and brightest light in Hollywood,” Ryan remarked following the news of her death. “I can’t believe this is real. Her legacy and work will live on forever.” Ryan also revealed that he has been developing a documentary titled “Finding Lilo,” which chronicles the efforts made by Chase’s friends to locate her. Several major studios have reportedly expressed interest in the film.
Sources close to Chase indicated that friends received a tip about her presence in the Skid Row area, prompting them to search the neighborhood. Their attempts to find her there were unsuccessful.
Hospitalization and Partner’s Plea for Support
Chase was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital in early June. Her condition worsened, and she was pronounced deceased on Tuesday. Roy Hernandez, who identified himself as Chase’s partner, stated that he had been actively seeking financial support for her care through GoFundMe campaigns in the weeks preceding her death.
Ryan, however, expressed suspicions regarding Hernandez and his connection to Chase. “Apparently, a man claiming to be her ‘boyfriend’ that none of us friends or her family has heard of has set up a GoFundMe on ‘her and her family’s behalf’ that he set her up as the organizer,” Ryan commented. “I can confirm Daveigh has a trust account set up at SAG to cover all costs.” As of Wednesday evening, the GoFundMe had raised approximately $2,500 of its $5,500 goal.
From Child Stardom to Legal Troubles
Chase first gained widespread recognition in 2002 for her chilling portrayal of Samara Morgan in “The Ring.” She gradually withdrew from the spotlight, ceasing social media activity entirely in 2017. Over the subsequent years, she encountered multiple legal issues, including arrests for joyriding in stolen vehicles and drug possession.
Her partner described a strained relationship with her family and a difficult struggle for them to find stable housing. In a somber parallel to her own fate, Chase was questioned in 2017 after leaving an unconscious man outside a hospital and driving away. The man later died of a drug overdose.
Hernandez stated that he and Chase had experienced homelessness in the years leading up to her death. In one of his fundraising appeals, he wrote, “Daveigh Chase, my girlfriend, has always been a light in my life… But behind the scenes, she’s faced more than her share of hardship.” He detailed a difficult childhood, a falling out with her family, and her struggles in downtown Los Angeles, vowing to protect her and provide her with love and comfort.
“Recently, everything changed,” Hernandez continued. “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.”
A Career Highlighted by Iconic Roles
Chase’s career began with a memorable voice role as Lilo in the beloved 2002 Disney animated film “Lilo & Stitch” and its subsequent television series. She also lent her voice to Chihiro Ogino in “Spirited Away.” In 2006, she portrayed Rhonda Volmer in 32 episodes of the series “Big Love.” Her acting credits also include roles in “Donnie Darko,” “Beethoven’s 5th,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” “ER,” and “Mercy.” Her last red carpet appearance was at a Vogue dinner in April 2013.
Chase faced several legal encounters. In November 2017, she was arrested in Los Angeles for joyriding in a stolen vehicle. She was reportedly a passenger in a BMW that police stopped. The actress was booked for being in a car without the owner’s consent, a felony. The driver was also arrested, and an investigation was launched into the theft of the BMW, with Chase being held on a $25,000 bond.
Prior to this, in February 2017, she was arrested by detectives after allegedly leaving a dying man outside a hospital. Chase had reportedly been with the man in the early hours of February 15 before leaving him at the hospital’s entrance and fleeing. Police identified her through an outstanding warrant for a misdemeanor traffic violation, leading to her arrest. She was not considered a suspect in the man’s death, which was attributed to a drug overdose.
