Former child star Daveigh Chase, known for her roles in Disney's 2002 animated hit Lilo & Stitch and The Ring, had been missing for 10 years before her death at 35. Her manager, John Ryan Jr., has spoken out about her circumstances, revealing that she had been homeless and living in Los Angeles with her boyfriend near the hospital where she died.
Ryan, a Hollywood producer, represented Chase in the last stage of her career and had been searching for her since discovering she was missing in 2015. He last saw her in November of that year and had been trying to find her ever since, even hiring private investigators to help locate her.
According to Ryan, Chase's disappearance was not reported to the authorities because she had left voluntarily. However, he began to hear troubling reports about her circumstances around five years ago and was eventually sent a video showing her in Los Angeles' Skid Row. Ryan said he ran down to try and find her, but by the time he arrived, she had already left.
Chase's death was caused by meningitis and a blood infection, according to her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez. Ryan has spoken out about her circumstances in the hopes of raising awareness about the struggles of addiction and the importance of seeking help.
What this means for you: The tragic story of Daveigh Chase's life and death serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help and support for those struggling with addiction. If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction, there are resources available to help.