More details have come to light about Daveigh Chase’s heartbreaking final days.
Before the Lilo & Stitch star died at 35 on June 16, she was found in the back of a car and subsequently hospitalized for various illnesses, the Los Angeles Medical Examiner confirmed to Us Weekly Nov. 10.
On June 4, the child star “was found in the back seat of a vehicle with complaints of headache, weakness, confusion, right thumb pain and a meth pipe nearby” just eight days before her death, the medical examiner told the outlet. She was then transported to a hospital by ambulance.
She was admitted with “advanced HIV/AIDS with wasting” and “cryptococcus without meningitis,” according to the medical examiner’s investigation report obtained by the outlet.
Wasting is a condition in which a person involuntarily loses at least 10 percent of their body weight, including muscle mass and fat, according to the National Cancer Institute. It often affects people with severe chronic conditions, per the Cleveland Clinic.
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Daveigh Chase’s Mom Details Lilo & StitchAlum’s Struggles With Addiction Before Her Death
Meanwhile, Cryptococcus is an illness that stems from a fungal infection in the body, per the Cleveland Clinic, which noted that people with compromised immune systems—such as those with HIV/AIDS—are at a higher risk of experiencing the illness.
In addition to an infection in her thumb, Chase (real name Daveigh Schwallier) was also diagnosed with MRSA, or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection, at the hospital, a type of staph bacteria “that’s become resistant to many of the antibiotics used to treat ordinary staph infections,” according to the Mayo Clinic.
The report also noted that toxicological screenings found Chase positive for “methamphetamine and fentanyl” in her system.
Chase had a “history of advanced and untreated HIV/AIDS and drug use,” the report noted, adding that her health had declined until her death.
The Donnie Darko actress died on June 16 from an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related illness, with substance abuse considered a “significant condition” contributing to her death, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner records viewed by E! News.
She died in the hospital, per the records, with officials listing her manner of death as natural.
Following her passing, Chase’s boyfriend Roy Hernandez shared additional insight into the personal struggles she experienced in the lead-up to her death.
“My girlfriend has always been a light in my life,” he wrote on his GoFundMe. “Many people know her as a talented childhood actor from Lilo & Stitch, Spirited Away, and Donnie Darko. But behind the scenes, she’s faced more than her share of hardship.”
“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,” he continued. “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.”
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