Roy Hernandez was the devoted boyfriend who cared for Daveigh Chase in her final weeks, confirmed her tragic death from sepsis and meningitis, and shared their love story through a heartfelt GoFundMe campaign.
The entertainment world was met with profound sadness on June 16, 2026, when news broke that former child star Daveigh Chase had passed away at the tragically young age of 35. Known for her iconic roles as the voice of Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and the terrifying Samara Morgan in The Ring, Chase left an indelible mark on pop culture. In the wake of her sudden passing, a name that was previously unknown to the public emerged as the person who was by her side: her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez.
Hernandez, who largely stayed out of the public spotlight during Chase’s acting career, became the primary source of information regarding her final days and the tragic circumstances surrounding her death. It was through his statements and a heartfelt GoFundMe campaign that the world learned not only of the severity of her illness but also of the deep love and commitment he had for the actress in her most vulnerable moments. He confirmed her death to TMZ and provided the details of her cause of death, stepping forward as her partner and protector.
The Final Days and a Heartbreaking Loss
Roy Hernandez was the one who confirmed the details of Daveigh Chase’s cause of death to TMZ. According to Hernandez, Chase had been suffering from meningitis and a serious blood infection, which tragically led to sepsis. The infection caused her body to shut down entirely. He also shared that she had been hospitalized in Los Angeles earlier in June due to malnutrition, painting a picture of a difficult and rapid health decline.
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In a desperate and loving attempt to provide her with comfort, Hernandez launched a GoFundMe campaign in her final days. The campaign’s description is a poignant and deeply personal testament to their relationship. He wrote, “Daveigh Chase, my girlfriend, has always been a light in my life”. He revealed the hardships she faced behind the scenes, including a difficult childhood, a painful falling out with her family, and struggles with bullying and finding safety.
Daveigh Chase has passed away at 35.
The actress was known for her performance in ‘The Ring,’ as well as voicing Lilo in ‘Lilo & Stitch’ and Chihiro in the English dub of ‘Spirited Away.’ pic.twitter.com/c6Q88CGW0S
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) June 17, 2026
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Hernandez spoke of his promise to protect her, stating, “When we met, I promised to protect her and give her the love and comfort she deserved”. As her condition became critical and doctors told him she might not have much time left, he expressed his one remaining wish: “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”.
A Life Away from the Spotlight
Prior to the tragic events of June 2026, Roy Hernandez was a private figure. He was not a part of the Hollywood scene that Daveigh Chase had navigated as a child star. His public emergence was solely as her partner and advocate during her final illness. The GoFundMe campaign he created not only revealed his devotion but also highlighted the stark contrast between Chase’s public success and her private struggles. He shared that even though the world knew her as a talented actress, “behind the scenes, she’s faced more than her share of hardship”.
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Roy Hernandez’s actions in her final weeks—from caring for her to publicly sharing their story to ask for help—paint a picture of a man who was fiercely dedicated to bringing peace and happiness to a woman who had faced considerable adversity. He was the one to confirm the sad news to the world, and in doing so, he ensured that her passing was met with the acknowledgement and respect it deserved. The love he expressed in his public statements serves as a final, touching tribute to Daveigh Chase, reminding the world of the person she was beyond the characters she played.
