Daveigh Chase’s former manager, John Ryan, has claimed that the GoFundMe fundraiser set up by her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, is not going towards covering the actress’s expenses.
The 35-year-old actress, who was known for voicing Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and roles in The Ring and other productions, passed away on June 17 at the age of 35. She died in a Los Angeles hospital from septic shock caused by complications of bacterial meningitis and a blood infection.
Reportedly, Roy launched a GoFundMe titled “Help Daveigh Chase Find Comfort & Peace, seeking funds for her medical expenses. In a statement to Deadline, Ryan urged people not to contribute to the fund, stating that Daveigh’s estate has “plenty of means to pay for cremation.”
Ryan confirmed he has been in contact with Daveigh’s family. He added that her father, John Schwallier, “never signed any paperwork over to this so-called boyfriend.”
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More details on Daveigh Chase’s GoFundMe dispute
Daveigh Chase’s former manager, John Ryan, disputed the claims made on the late child actor’s GoFundMe page set up by her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez. The page raised approximately $3,900 USD out of its $5000 goal.
In the page, Roy mentioned that she was the “light in my life” who faced many hardships during her childhood. The page featured several pictures of the couple. His message read:
“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. 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.”
Daveigh’s manager has cast doubt on the actress’ alleged boyfriend. In a statement to TMZ, he shared that none of her friends or family members was aware of this man. He said:
“A man claiming to be Daveigh’s boyfriend has launched a GoFundMe page purportedly on behalf of Daveigh and her family. Neither her family nor her close friends know who this person is.”
Ryan further said that there were no medical bills or funeral expenses to be paid. He and Daveigh’s family have been handling all the necessary costs. Ryan added he was concerned because of the condition Daveigh’s alleged boyfriend brought her to the hospital and that he should be in jail.
Responding to Ryan’s claims, Roy told TMZ that it is “100 percent” false to suggest the GoFundMe is illegitimate. Years before her tragic death, Daveigh Chase told Interview Magazine in 2009 that she wanted to change people’s lives. She said:
“I just want to make something that I love and people will respect. I want to do things that will change someone’s life, not something they’ll forget about tomorrow.”
Born on July 24, 1990 in Las Vegas, to parents Cathy Chase and John Schwallier. Her full name was Daveigh Elizabeth Chase. She was raised in Albany following her parents’ divorce.
She demonstrated an early interest in performance, beginning to sing and dance at community events at the age of 3. She earned her first commercial at the age of 7 and featured in a regional theatrical production of the musical Utah! in 1998, where she played the lead role.
That same year, she made a guest appearance in the television sitcom, Sabrina the Teenage Witch. With these projects, Daveigh Chase bagged roles in Donnie Darko, Spirited Away, and more.
Daveigh Chase last appeared as Krissy Madison in American Romance in 2016. In addition to this role, Chase featured in horror film, Jack Goes Home and the video game, Let It Die. These projects reportedly served as her final acting credits.
Edited by Aastha Dass