Daveigh Chase’s former manager is asking supporters not to contribute to a GoFundMe created by her “so-called boyfriend,” saying the estate and family already have the resources needed to handle cremation and related expenses.
John Ryan, who previously managed the Lilo & Stitch performer and remained a longtime friend, spoke out after the actress died at age 35 in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Chase’s father later confirmed she died from complications of bacterial meningitis and a blood infection. He also said she had been living in Los Angeles with her boyfriend near the hospital where she died.
As news of her death spread, many fans shared messages of grief online.
“An early 2000’s icon. R.I.P. legend you will be missed.”
“This one hurts. Daveigh Chase brought so much life to Lilo in Lilo & Stitch and terrified a whole generation as Samara. Rest in peace. What an incredible talent taken far too early.”
“RIP Daveigh Chase. Too young. Her voice as Lilo and that chilling Samara role defined so much of our childhood. Condolences to her family,”
Another tribute read:
“I am so sorry to hear this. She was an amazing actress and will be missed. I hope her loved ones find peace. May she rest in peace.”
Shortly before her death, her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, reportedly launched a GoFundMe campaign. In the fundraiser, he said Chase had been dealing with major medical problems, including meningitis and serious blood infections, and asked for help to support her in what he described as her final days.
“diagnosed with meningitis and several serious blood infections,”
He also wrote:
“I understand we all go through things,” he wrote, “But if you can help, I will be really grateful for anything.”
Ryan has since strongly criticized Hernandez, disputing the purpose of the fundraiser after Chase’s death.
In comments given to Deadline, he said:
“That GoFundMe is not going toward ANY expenses for Daveigh.
“Myself, her father, her uncle and all of us close friends who knew her for decades are encouraging people not to donate to this page. This man making these claims brought her into the hospital in terrible condition and didn’t let any of the family know until she passed so he could control the dialogue.”
Ryan went on to accuse Hernandez of benefiting from the circumstances surrounding her death.
“used her tragic passing to get a few bucks for he and his family”
He finished by saying:
“Myself and the family are sickened at the condition she was in before she passed. This guy’s trying to make it look like a Romeo and Juliet situation to benefit his own pockets.”
Chase was best known for voicing Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and for playing Samara in The Ring, performances that made her one of the most recognizable former child stars of the early 2000s. Her father said she had struggled with drugs since she was 13 and had been estranged from her parents.