Former Child Star Daveigh Chase Died of AIDS: New Details Revealed
Daveigh Chase's official cause of death has been confirmed shortly after the former child star died at age 35.
Chase died of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) with other significant conditions included chronic polysubstance use, according to Los Angeles medical examiner records exclusively obtained by Us Weekly. Chase died in a hospital and the manner of death was listed as natural.
Chase's boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, confirmed her death to TMZ on June 17, telling the outlet that she died one day prior after battling meningitis and an infection in her blood that led to sepsis. Sepsis is described as a life-threatening reaction to an infection that causes your immune system to harm healthy tissues and organs, per Cleveland Clinic.
Shortly before Chase's death, Hernandez launched a GoFundMe campaign, where he detailed her health issues.
"Daveigh Chase, my girlfriend, has always been a light in my life. Many people know her as a talented childhood actor from Lilo & Stitch, Spirited Away and Donnie Darko, but behind the scenes, she's faced more than her share of hardship," he wrote in the fundraiser's description. "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. 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."
According to Hernandez, Chase had been "recently" diagnosed with meningitis and battled "several serious blood infections."
"Her condition has become critical, and the doctors have told me she may not have much time left," he continued. "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."
He added, "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."
After Chase's death, her former manager John Ryan questioned the validity of Hernandez's online fundraiser.
"A man claiming to be Daveigh's boyfriend has launched a GoFundMe page purportedly on behalf of Daveigh and her family," Ryan told TMZ on June 18. "Neither her family nor her close friends know who this person is."
He further claimed that Chase had "a SAG trust account with more than enough funds to cover all medical and related expenses."
Ryan urged fans to refrain from donating to the campaign "until the organizer's identity and claims can be verified."
In response to Ryan's allegations, Hernandez told TMZ it was "100 percent" false to claim the GoFundMe campaign was not legitimate. He alleged at the time that he planned to use the funds to pay for Chase's memorial.
Chase was known for her roles as a child actress in films such as 2001's Donnie Darko, 2002's Lilo & Stitch and 2002's The Ring. She also starred on the HBO series Big Love from 2006 to 2011. She made her final onscreen appearance in the 2016 movie American Romance.
In the later years of her life, Chase stepped away from the spotlight. She walked her last red carpet in 2013, while she shared her final Instagram post in 2017.
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This story was originally published June 29, 2026 at 1:38 PM.