local
Cause of death revealed for ‘Lilo and Stitch’ voice actor Daveigh Chase
By Debra Worley at KGNS — Sitewide
· June 30, 2026
· 2 min read
(Gray News) – Daveigh Chase, the actress who voiced Lilo in the beloved 2002 Disney film “Lilo & Stitch,” died of AIDS, according to the medical examiner’s office.Chase, 35, whose legal name was Daveigh Schwallier, died at a hospital June 16.“Chronic polysubstance use” was also listed as a contri...
Key takeaway Chase, 35, whose legal name was Daveigh Schwallier, died at a hospital June 16.
Why this matters in The Laredo
The passing of Daveigh Chase, known for voicing Lilo in the Disney film "Lilo & Stitch," brings attention to the struggles of homelessness and substance use in major cities, including those nearby like San Antonio. While Chase's death occurred in Los Angeles, her story resonates with the challenges faced by individuals in the Laredo area who struggle with addiction and lack of stable housing. The fact that Chase, a talented actress, was homeless at the time of her death highlights the complexities of these issues and the need for comprehensive support services. In Laredo, local organizations and initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness and substance abuse may take note of Chase's story, emphasizing the importance of accessible healthcare, counseling, and social services to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the community. Chase's legacy as a beloved voice actress will endure, but her personal struggles serve as a reminder of the work still needed to support vulnerable populations.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . The Laredo surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (Gray News) – Daveigh Chase, the actress who voiced Lilo in the beloved 2002 Disney film “Lilo & Stitch,” died of AIDS, according to the medical examiner’s office.Chase, 35, whose legal name was Daveigh Schwallier, died at a hospital June 16.“Chronic polysubstance use” was also listed as a contri...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Debra Worley at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Laredo, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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