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As we previously reported, actress Daveigh Chase died this week at the age of 35.
Now her mother is opening up about the heartbreaking reality of losing her daughter.
In an emotional interview with Daily MailCathy Chase spoke publicly for the first time since Daveigh’s death and described the devastating moment she found out her daughter was gone.
“I was devastated,” Cathy said, recalling the overwhelming grief she felt after receiving the news.
The grieving mother says she initially struggled to believe the reports were true.
“I let out this guttural scream,” she told the magazine, describing a moment of anguish that sent her running into her backyard in disbelief.
Daveigh died on June 16 after suffering complications from meningitis and a severe blood infection that led to sepsis and multiple organ failure.
She had reportedly been hospitalized earlier this month while battling malnutrition.
For many fans, Daveigh will forever be remembered as the voice of Lilo in Disney’s beloved Lilo & Stitch franchise and as the terrifying Samara Morgan in the horror classic The ring.
She also provided Chihiro’s English-language voice Spirited away and appeared in cult classics such as Donnie Darko and HBO’s Great love.
The tragedy is enhanced by a demand from Chase’s former managerJohn Ryan, who says she was “too far gone” to collect millions owed to her from her work on Lilo & Stitch.
Despite her incredible success in the industry, the actress reportedly endured years of personal struggles.
According to her mother, Daveigh became increasingly difficult to locate in recent years.
Cathy told Daily Mail that she spent countless nights searching online missing persons databases and resources in hopes of finding her daughter.
“As a mother, you don’t give up on your child,” Cathy said.
“I was hoping she would still come home.”
The interview also addressed claims that Cathy had abandoned her daughter during her struggles with addiction and homelessness.
She strongly denied these claims and insisted she never stopped searching for Daveigh and never gave up hope that they would eventually reconnect.
According to reports, Daveigh’s downward spiral began years ago after a motorcycle accident that led to the use of painkillers and eventually substance abuse.
Ryan has also claimed that addiction played a big role in the actress’ disappearance from public life.
In the days since her death, questions have also emerged about an online fundraiser created by a man who identified himself as Daveigh’s boyfriend, Roy Hernandez.
Ryan publicly questioned the legitimacy of the fundraiser, claiming that Daveigh already had financial resources available through a SAG trust account. Hernandez has claimed that any money raised would go towards memorial expenses and honoring Daveigh’s memory.
Our condolences go out to all of Daveigh’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time.
