Daveigh Chase estate valued at 400k following death of actress at 35

Legal proceedings following the death of former child star Daveigh Chase have cast a sharp light on the disparity between her early Hollywood success and the circumstances of her final years. Chase, known for her voice work in Lilo & Stitch and her role as Samara Morgan in The Ring, died on June 16, 2026, at the age of 35. Following her passing, probate documents filed July 8 in Los Angeles Superior Court reveal that the actress left behind an estate valued at approximately $400,000 in personal property.

Despite this financial footing, Chase was reportedly living unhoused in the Skid Row neighborhood of Los Angeles at the time of her death. Her mother, Cathy Chase, has petitioned the court to be appointed as the administrator of her daughter’s estate, as Chase died without a will and was never married. A probate hearing regarding the estate is currently scheduled for August 12, 2026.

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The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s report identified acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) as the primary cause of death, with chronic polysubstance use noted as a significant contributing condition. This finding contrasts with statements made by her father, John Schwallier, who previously suggested to the media that his daughter’s death was linked to complications from bacterial meningitis and a blood infection. Schwallier, who reportedly resides in the Philippines, is identified in court filings as an estate descendant, though his precise location remains unclear to the petitioner.

Residuals and Disputed Fundraising

The revelation of a $400,000 estate has emerged amid an ongoing dispute regarding the actress’s financial legacy. Her longtime manager, John Ryan, has claimed that Chase died with "millions" in unclaimed residual checks stemming from her high-profile filmography, which includes Donnie Darko and the English-language dub of Spirited Away.

This claim surfaced alongside public criticism of a GoFundMe campaign initiated by Roy Hernandez, who identified himself as Chase’s boyfriend. Hernandez created the page to raise funds for her care and, later, for memorial expenses. Ryan, however, has urged the public not to donate, alleging that the family and close friends were unfamiliar with Hernandez and that the actress already possessed sufficient resources to cover end-of-life costs.

Timeline of Events

• 2016: Chase reportedly suffers a motorcycle accident, which her mother attributes as the onset of a struggle with prescription pain medication and subsequent substance abuse.
• 2025: Chase’s manager and stepsister, Gaia Brown, engage a private investigator in an effort to locate the actress and provide assistance.
• June 16, 2026: Daveigh Chase dies in Los Angeles at age 35.
• July 8, 2026: Cathy Chase files a petition in Los Angeles Superior Court to manage the estate, revealing $400,000 in personal property.
• August 12, 2026: A scheduled probate hearing is set to address the administration of the estate.

Context of Struggles

The actress's mother has defended her efforts to assist her daughter, stating that she attempted to find help for Chase but was hindered by the difficulty of legally intervening when an adult refuses treatment.

As the legal process moves toward the August hearing, the administrative duties for the estate include safeguarding assets, notifying creditors, and maintaining financial records. For those dealing with similar challenges, support remains available through national health resources, including the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.