Lilo & Stitch star Daveigh Chase has died, but days before her death, her partner made a heartbreaking plea to her fans and followers07:56, 18 Jun 2026Updated 07:56, 18 Jun 2026Daveigh Chase has died at the age of 35 and her boyfriend had been desperately trying to help the former child star days earlier. The voice of Lilo Pelekai in Disney's 2002 hit move Lilo & Stitch died after a sudden health battle.‌Roy Hernandez, whom Daveigh Chase was in a relationship with before her death, confirmed she died of meningitis, having been been admitted to hospital earlier this month because of malnutrition. And just days earlier, he made a devastating move in a bid to help her.‌Roy set up a GoFundMe page for the Donnie Darko star in a bid to help her "find comfort and peace". Writing on the page, which had a $5.5k target, Roy said: "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. 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."‌Explaining how "everything changed" after her meningitis diagnosis, his heartbreaking post said he had been told his partner didn't have long left."Now, more than ever, I want to give her that sense of home and peace in her final days," he continued. "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."‌Users flooded the page with messages of condolence following the sad news. One user wrote: "It’s just so incredibly sad. Daveigh brought so much joy and hope to so many of us in childhood, she taught me about never leaving behind your loved ones, never forgetting them, yet in her own last days she was struggling so much with so few loved ones around her. My heart goes out to everyone who’s touched by her and who’s loved her. May she finds her Ohana on the other side."Another added: "So sad, on So many Levels. Life can have its highs and its lows, and she was meant to fly." In the words of the legendary Judy Garland...We have a whole 'life' ahead of us - and wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all be a little more gentle with each other - and a little more loving - have a little more empathy - and maybe next year at this time we'd like each other a little bit more. Daveigh was a kindred soul... may the God of Grace and Love envelope her in His loving arms."‌Before her big break with Disney, Daveigh had made small appearances on other hit shows. She had featured on Sabrina, The Teenage Witch, Charmed and ER.In 2001, she was cast as Samantha Darko in Donnie Darko, in which she starred alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and Drew Barrymore. She also played the starring role of Samara Morgan, the main antagonist in 2002 horror The Ring.Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.Article continues below