The death of former child star Daveigh Chase has been followed by a growing dispute over a GoFundMe campaign launched by a man claiming to be her boyfriend, with the actress’s former manager now publicly urging fans not to donate.
Chase, best known for voicing Lilo in Lilo & Stitch and portraying Samara Morgan in The Ring, passed away this week at the age of 35 after reported complications related to meningitis and severe blood infections. Reports indicate she had also been hospitalized earlier this month for malnutrition.
Now, attention has shifted to a fundraising campaign launched by Roy Hernandez, who identified himself as Chase’s boyfriend and sought donations to help with her care and expenses. Hernandez described Chase as “a light in my life” and claimed the actress had endured years of hardship and estrangement from her family. He wrote that she had been diagnosed with meningitis and multiple blood infections and said doctors warned she “may not have much time left.”
John Ryan Urges Fans Not to Donate
However, longtime friend and former manager John Ryan is now challenging the legitimacy of the fundraiser.
In comments first reported by Deadline and later echoed by multiple outlets, Ryan alleged that the GoFundMe is not being used for Chase’s expenses and claimed her family is already handling all arrangements.
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Ryan stated: “That GoFundMe is not going toward ANY expenses for Daveigh.”
According to Ryan, Chase’s father and other family members never authorized Hernandez to act on the family’s behalf. He further claimed that Chase’s estate had sufficient resources to cover cremation and funeral expenses.
Ryan also accused Hernandez of failing to notify Chase’s family about her condition until after her death and alleged that the fundraiser was being used to benefit Hernandez rather than the actress. He reportedly encouraged fans to avoid donating and to report the campaign.
The criticism has only intensified as more details about Chase’s final years have emerged.
Claims of Unclaimed Residuals and Family Support
Ryan has argued that Chase’s financial situation is being misrepresented. In separate comments, he claimed the actress had access to a SAG trust account and significant unclaimed residual payments accumulated during her years as a successful child performer.
Daveigh Chase – YouTube, Sammy’s Collectable Toys Hall
According to Ryan, Chase’s struggles in recent years prevented her from accessing funds that were still available to her. He further maintained that there were no outstanding funeral costs requiring public fundraising.
Those claims directly contradict the narrative presented in the GoFundMe campaign, which described Chase as facing severe hardship and lacking stability in her final months.
Roy Hernandez Pushes Back
For his part, Hernandez has strongly denied the allegations.
According to TMZ and multiple follow-up reports, Hernandez called suggestions that the fundraiser was illegitimate “100%” false. He reportedly insists the money is intended to provide Chase with a proper memorial and has defended both the fundraiser and his relationship with the actress.
Daveigh Chase – YouTube, Sammy’s Collectable Toys Hall
As of this writing, the fundraiser had raised thousands of dollars toward its goal, even as criticism from Chase’s family and former associates continues to mount.
A Tragic End to a Promising Career
The dispute has cast an unfortunate shadow over the death of an actress many fans remember from some of the most recognizable films of the early 2000s.
Chase became famous through her performances in Lilo & Stitch, The Ring, Donnie Darko, and the English-language dub of Spirited Away. Despite early success, reports indicate she struggled with personal issues and largely disappeared from public view during the last decade of her life.
Daveigh Chase in The Ring – YouTube, Ferdinand
Now, even after her passing, conflicting accounts from those closest to her continue to emerge. While Hernandez maintains the fundraiser was created out of love and necessity, Chase’s former manager and family members are publicly warning supporters to keep their wallets closed.
Until additional information becomes available, the controversy surrounding the Daveigh Chase GoFundMe appears unlikely to fade anytime soon.
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