Daveigh Chase Left Behind $400K Estate Despite Tragic Final Years
Daveigh Chase, the former child star best known for The Ring and for voicing Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, left behind an estate worth approximately $400,000 in personal property despite reportedly experiencing homelessness in downtown Los Angeles before her death.
The actress died last month at the age of 35, leaving fans shocked by the heartbreaking contrast between her successful Hollywood career and the struggles she faced later in life.
According to court documents obtained by Page Six, Daveigh’s mother, Cathy Chase, has petitioned the court to become the administrator of her daughter’s estate. The filing states that Daveigh owned roughly $400,000 in personal property at the time of her death.
The documents also note that her father, John Schwallier, is believed to be living in the Philippines at an unknown address while maintaining properties in Las Vegas.
Medical Examiner’s Report
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner listed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) as Daveigh Chase’s primary cause of death. The report also cited chronic polysubstance use, indicating the use of multiple drugs over a period of time.
Daveigh was unmarried and had no children.
GoFundMe Controversy
Following her death, a man identified as Roy Hernandez, who claimed to be Daveigh’s boyfriend, launched a GoFundMe campaign, saying he wanted to help provide comfort during her final days.
In the fundraiser, Hernandez described the actress as someone who had endured years of hardship after a difficult childhood and estrangement from her family.
However, Daveigh’s longtime former manager, John Ryan, publicly urged fans not to contribute to the campaign. He claimed that neither Daveigh’s friends nor family knew Hernandez and stated that the actress already had a SAG trust account capable of covering funeral and related expenses.
Ryan also alleged that Daveigh had millions of dollars in unclaimed residual payments from her acting career.
Final Years
Reports indicate that Daveigh struggled significantly during the final years of her life. Ryan revealed that he and her stepsister, Gaia Brown, hired a private investigator in 2025 in an effort to locate her and connect her with help. Although they briefly managed to speak with her by phone, she reportedly disappeared again before they could intervene.
Reflecting on her passing, Ryan described Daveigh as:
“The sweetest and brightest light in Hollywood.”
Her performances in The Ring, Lilo & Stitch, Spirited Away, and Donnie Darko continue to be remembered by audiences around the world, leaving behind a lasting legacy despite the tragedy that marked her final years.
