‘WE NEVER HEARD OF HIM’: Daveigh Chase’s Family Challenges Surprising Claims Following Actress’s De-a-th
The final months of former child star Daveigh Chase’s life were marked by hardship, failed rescue attempts, and a desperate search by those closest to her, according to her longtime manager.
John Ryan, who represented Chase for more than a decade, told The California Post that he and the actress’ stepsister, Gaia Brown, spent nearly a year trying to locate her and get her into treatment. Their efforts even included hiring a private investigator after losing contact with the former actress.
Ryan said a shocking turning point came in late 2025 when he was sent a social media video that allegedly showed Chase living on Skid Row in Los Angeles. The footage, which was later deleted, appeared to show the “Lilo & Stitch” star severely underweight and barely responsive inside what looked like a tent or trailer.
After seeing the clip, Ryan said he managed to speak with Chase by phone and immediately began making plans to help her. But when he arrived in the area, she was nowhere to be found.
According to Ryan, the goal was to first help Chase recover physically in Los Angeles before sending her to a rehabilitation center in Costa Rica operated by a friend.
“We were so close to finding her,” Ryan said. “Daveigh was the sweetest and brightest light in Hollywood. I can’t believe this is real. Her legacy and work will live on forever.”
At the same time, Ryan revealed he had been working on a documentary called “Finding Lilo,” which focused on the search for Chase and her struggles away from the spotlight. He said several major studios had already shown interest in the project.
In the wake of Chase’s death, Ryan also raised concerns about a GoFundMe campaign launched by a man claiming to be her boyfriend.
He said neither Chase’s family members nor close friends were familiar with the man and questioned why the fundraiser was created, noting that the actress reportedly had a SAG trust account that could cover funeral and related expenses.
The fundraiser, organized by Roy Hernandez, had raised around $1,400 toward a $5,500 target. The campaign did not provide specific details about how the funds would be used.
Chase became a household name after voicing Lilo in Disney’s 2002 animated hit “Lilo & Stitch.” She later earned praise for her chilling performance as Samara Morgan in the horror franchise “The Ring.”
Despite her early success, Ryan said Chase spent much of the past decade battling addiction and periods of homelessness while remaining largely out of the public eye.
TMZ reported that Chase died on June 17 after suffering from meningitis and a blood infection. The outlet also reported that she had recently been hospitalized due to severe malnourishment.
Her acting career had largely come to a halt in recent years, with her final major screen appearances coming in the 2016 films “Jack Goes Home” and “American Romance.”
In a message posted on the GoFundMe page, Hernandez described Chase as someone who endured years of personal struggles, including family issues, bullying, and difficulties finding stability.
He wrote that the two shared moments of happiness together and said he had promised to give her the love, comfort, and security she had long been searching for.
“All she ever wanted was a place where we could live together, feel safe, and be happy,” Hernandez wrote, adding that he now hopes to give her peace and a final resting place that reflects that dream.
He concluded by thanking supporters for any donations or prayers offered during what he called an incredibly difficult time.
