American actress Daveigh Chase, star of The Ring and Lilo & Stitch, dead at 35

Daveigh Chase died after meningitis and an infection in her blood caused sepsis.

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Former child star Daveigh Chase has died at the age of 35, after meningitis and an infection in her blood caused sepsis. Chase was best known for her role as the killer ghost Samara Morgan in The Ring, as well as voicing Lilo in Lilo & Stitch.

Chase’s boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, confirmed the news to TMZ, after previously launching a GoFundMe page and sharing details of her health troubles online.

Hernandez shared at the time: "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."

Hernandez explained that Chase was “recently” diagnosed with meningitis and that she had "several serious blood infections".

On the GoFundMe page, he shared: "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."

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."

Chase last appeared on screen in the 2016 thriller film American Romance. However, she admitted in a 2009 interview that she wanted to leave an impression in the movie business.

The actress told American publication Interview at the time: "I just want to make something that I love and people will respect. I want to do things that will change someone’s life, not something they’ll forget about tomorrow."

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