'The Ring' actress Daveigh Chase died of AIDS, officials confirm

The official cause of death for Daveigh Chase, the actress famed for her terrifying portrayal of Samara Morgan in 'The Ring,' has been revealed as AIDS. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the finding, with chronic substance abuse listed as a secondary cause.

Chase, who was 35 at the time of her death, had a history of struggles with heroin and fentanyl addiction. Her mother stated that Chase began associating with drug users at a young age and was last seen in prison in 2018 following legal troubles related to her addiction. The actress had lost contact with her family in the years following.

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The actress died of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

While initial reports suggested Chase died in a hospital after an infection led to multiple organ failure, the forensic report provided a different conclusion. Her father, John David Schwallier, told The New York Times that his daughter had lived on the streets for several years and battled addiction from the age of 13. Chase significantly reduced her acting work around 2016.

Chase first gained recognition as a child actress, notably voicing Lilo Pelekai in Disney's 'Lilo & Stitch.' Her role in 'The Ring,' filmed when she was 11, cemented her status as a memorable figure in early 2000s horror cinema. Her career trajectory shifted dramatically after her childhood success.

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Her daughter lived on the streets for several years and faced addiction problems from the age of 13.