Daveigh Chase's friend recalls 'unrecognizable' final years before death at 35
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Shawn Rosenthal, a close friend of late actress Daveigh Chase, has shared details about the difficult years leading up to her death, describing a decline marked by struggles with addiction and homelessness.
Daveigh Chase, best known for voicing Lilo in 'Lilo & Stitch' and starring in 'The Ring' died on Tuesday, June 16 at the age of 35 due to complications from meningitis and a blood infection. Following her passing, friends, family members, and former associates have spoken about the challenges she faced in the years leading up to her death.
Daveigh Chase’s friend recalls actress’ difficult final years
Rosenthal, who described himself as a close friend of Daveigh from around 2018 to 2023, said, “She was very unrecognizable compared to her photos from when she was making films and doing voice-overs on TV shows."
According to him, "she was an incredible singer, and we would play music together that, unfortunately, we never had a chance to record." He also revealed getting sober in 2023, "which is why I haven't seen her since then. Some of her sober friends and I were trying to find her and get her help, but to no avail."
He also claimed that Daveigh had been surrounding herself with people who did not have her best interests at heart, “She was surrounding herself with the worst of the worst people. It's such a tragedy because no one cared for her best interests at all."
Calling the actress’ death a tragedy, Rosenthal added, “I feared hearing this news. I pray she's just finally at peace.”
Her mother, Cathy Chase, said her daughter’s struggles with illicit substance abuse began after being prescribed pain medication following a motorcycle accident around 2016 that left her with a back injury.
She recalled that the last time she saw her daughter was in prison in 2019, “She was completely gone, like, out of her mind." Although Daveigh had been diagnosed with PTSD, Cathy said, "My daughter was never diagnosed with mental health other than PTSD. But the drugs took hold of her."
Daveigh Chase’s former manager disputes GoFundMe claims
Following Daveigh's death, controversy emerged surrounding a GoFundMe campaign created by her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez. Her former manager and longtime friend, John Ryan, urged fans not to donate to the fundraiser.
In a statement to Deadline, Ryan said, “Daveigh’s estate has plenty of means to pay for the cremation.” He also claimed that Daveigh's father, John Schwallier, had “never signed any paperwork over to this so-called boyfriend.”
“That GoFundMe is not going toward ANY expenses for Daveigh,” Ryan said, adding, “Myself, her father, her uncle and all of us close friends who knew her for decades are encouraging people not to donate to this page.”
He further alleged that Hernandez “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.” He maintained that Chase’s family and close friends were handling funeral arrangements and expenses.
“There are no medical bills to be paid or funeral expenses…,” he said, while urging supporters to “report the page and not donate.” He also described Daveigh as “the sweetest girl who mixed up with the wrong crowd.”
