The official cause of death for actress Daveigh Chase has now been confirmed. It has been revealed that she passed away as a result of AIDS.
Chase, who rose to prominence playing the sinister Samara in the horror classic The Ring, died just a fortnight ago at the age of 35. In a heartbreaking announcement, her boyfriend shed light on her secret health struggles, including a serious blood infection, reports the Daily Star.
It has now been officially confirmed that she died on June 16 as a result of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
View 3 ImagesActress Daveigh Chase (Image: Getty Images North America)
According to the LA County Medical Examiner, Chase lost her battle with the disease following a prolonged illness. AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV, a condition that severely weakens the body’s immune system, leaving sufferers far more susceptible to further illness.
It was also determined that chronic substance abuse − involving the repeated use of multiple drugs over a period of time − was a significant contributing factor in her death. This follows her partner Roy Hernandez’s efforts to appeal to her fans to help raise funds for her care via a GoFundMe page.
Roy ultimately confirmed Chase’s passing, revealing she had been fighting an agonising health battle, contending with a number of additional conditions, including the potentially life-threatening illnesses meningitis, sepsis, and a separate blood infection.
Appealing to fans to contribute to her care, Roy wrote: “Daveigh Chase, my girlfriend, has always been a light in my life. 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 added. “When we met, I promised to protect her and give her the love and comfort she deserved.”
View 3 ImagesMultiple substance abuse was also ruled to be a contributing factor to her death(Image: Getty Images)
He subsequently posted: “Daveigh was diagnosed with meningitis and several serious blood infections. Her condition has become critical, and the doctors have told me she may not have much time left. All she ever wanted was a place where we could live together, feel safe, and be happy.”
Chase first rose to prominence in 2002 when she portrayed the terrifying character Samara in The Ring. She went on to appear in numerous other acclaimed productions, including cult classic Donnie Darko and the beloved Disney film Lilo and Stitch.
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