Daveigh Chase, the beloved child actress who voiced Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and terrified audiences as the eerie Samara in The Ring, has died at the age of 35.

Her father, John Schwallier, confirmed to NBC News that Chase passed away Tuesday in Los Angeles from complications of bacterial meningitis and a blood infection, while also suffering from severe malnutrition.

The news has been clouded by a public dispute over a crowdfunding campaign started by her alleged boyfriend, Roy Hernandez. Chase’s former manager, John Ryan Jr., strongly disputed the page, stating that her estate has sufficient means for final arrangements and urging people not to donate.

“This man making these claims brought her into the hospital in terrible condition and didn’t let any of the family know until she passed so he can control the dialogue,” Ryan said.

Chase’s family is handling all arrangements, and they have reportedly contacted GoFundMe about the campaign.

Born in Las Vegas, Chase began performing at a young age, landing her breakthrough role voicing Lilo at just eight years old. She went on to reprise the character in the long-running series and various projects. That same year, she captivated (and scared) a new generation as Samara in The Ring, earning the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain in 2003 — beating out heavyweights like Mike Myers and Daniel Day-Lewis.

Daveigh Chase’s passing at such a young age is a heartbreaking loss for fans who grew up with her iconic performances. From the joyful, spirited Lilo to the haunting, unforgettable Samara, she left an indelible mark on both children’s animation and horror cinema. Her talent was evident from the start, but like many child stars, her later years appear to have been marked by significant personal struggles.

The emerging family conflict over her final arrangements adds a painful layer to an already tragic story. As tributes continue to pour in, many are remembering Chase not just for her on-screen achievements, but for the bright spark she brought to so many childhoods.