Daveigh Chase: The Ring Star’s Cause of Death Revealed After Actress Died Aged 35
The cause of death of The Ring star Daveigh Chase has been confirmed, two weeks after she died at the age of 35. Chase died in a hospital on June 16 from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the most advanced stage of HIV infection, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
The medical examiner also listed chronic polysubstance use—the repeated use of multiple drugs over a period of time—as a significant contributing factor in her death. Her death was ruled natural. Earlier this month, her boyfriend confirmed Chase’s death and revealed that she had been battling several serious health complications, including meningitis, a blood infection, and sepsis.
Suffering for a Long Time
Chase was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital in early June. In the weeks leading up to her death, her partner, Roy Hernandez, launched several GoFundMe campaigns seeking financial assistance to help cover her medical treatment.
Chase rose to fame as a child actress in 2002 with her memorable performance as Samara Morgan in The Ring. She went on to appear in several films and television shows, including Lilo & Stitch, Donnie Darko, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, ER, and Big Love.
After 2013, Chase gradually withdrew from the spotlight. Her last known public appearance was at a Vogue dinner in April 2013, and her final social media activity came in 2017.
In the years that followed, she had several reported encounters with law enforcement, including a 2017 arrest in Los Angeles related to allegedly taking a stolen vehicle for a joyride.
That same year, she was questioned by police after dropping off an unconscious man outside a hospital and driving away. The man later died from a drug overdose, though Chase was not charged in connection with his death.
According to her partner, Hernandez, the couple suffered homelessness in the years leading up to her death. He also described a long-running estrangement between Chase and her family, saying he had been trying to help the two of them rebuild their lives.
Painful Final Years
In one of the GoFundMe campaigns seeking support for her medical care, Hernandez wrote, “Daveigh Chase, my girlfriend, has always been a light in my life… But behind the scenes, she’s faced more than her share of hardship.”
He added, “After a difficult childhood and a painful falling out with her family, Daveigh was bullied and struggled to find safety and happiness in downtown LA. When we met, I promised to protect her and give her the love and comfort she deserved.”
“Together, we found moments of happiness and hope.”
He continued: “Recently, everything changed. Daveigh was diagnosed with meningitis and several serious blood infections. Her condition has become critical, and the doctors have told me she may not have much time left. 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. I understand we all go through things, but if you can help, I will be really grateful for anything.”
Before her death at the age of 35, Chase had reportedly been out of contact with many of her close ones for a long time, raising concerns. Her manager, John Ryan, and her stepsister, Gaia Brown, had been trying to find her for several years after losing touch with her.
