Cathy Chase has spoken candidly about her deep sorrow following the tragic death of her daughter, Daveigh Chase, who gained fame for her roles in films such as *The Ring* and the animated classic *Lilo & Stitch*. The 35-year-old actress’s passing was confirmed on June 17, and her mother revealed her distress in a recent interview with the *Daily Mail*.
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Initially, Cathy thought she had encountered a hoax when she first saw reports regarding Daveigh’s death. “I actually thought it was fake news, that first time I saw it,” she recounted. However, as the news spread across various reputable outlets, she realised the heartbreaking truth. The last time she had seen her daughter was in 2019 when she visited her in jail.
In the days leading up to the confirmation of Daveigh’s death, Cathy recounted her routine of searching social media and even the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s website in hopes of receiving good news about her daughter. She described the moment when she learned of Daveigh’s passing as utterly devastating, saying, “It felt like something inside of me squeezing all the air out of me.”
Overwhelmed by grief, Cathy shared that she stepped outside, unleashing “a guttural scream” as she ran into her backyard, pleading for her daughter’s soul to hear her. “I am in so much pain but I hope her soul heard me,” she expressed, revealing the raw emotions that accompanied her loss.
According to statements made by Daveigh’s boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, the actress had been battling serious health issues, including meningitis and multiple blood infections, which ultimately led to a critical condition. He described her as someone who had faced challenges in life, particularly a troubled childhood and estrangement from her family. In light of Daveigh’s passing, Hernandez set up a GoFundMe page, although it later faced controversy when her former manager, John Ryan, urged fans not to contribute.
Cathy discussed her daughter’s struggles with addiction, noting that it all began with pain medications prescribed after a motorcycle accident about ten years ago. Following the injury, she claimed that Daveigh fell into the wrong crowd and sought drugs, eventually leading to bouts of homelessness. The actress’s early career saw her rise to prominence with roles in notable films, including *Donnie Darko* and *American Romance*, but personal battles overshadowed her achievements.
Reflecting on their last encounter, Cathy expressed regret over not being there for Daveigh after her release from jail. “I went to pick her up the day after she was released because I didn’t know she was let go early. I can’t stop blaming myself for that,” she lamented, sharing that she lost all contact with her daughter soon after.
Despite facing criticism from some who questioned her parenting, Cathy maintained that she never abandoned her child. “As a mother, you don’t give up on your child. I was hoping she would still come home,” she asserted. Cathy also emphasised her attempts to secure help for Daveigh, revealing the difficulties in providing support when one does not wish to seek assistance.
Cathy was ultimately tasked with identifying her daughter’s remains on June 18. She shared a tender moment, describing how she was able to say goodbye in a deeply personal way, despite the circumstances. “We were able to lay hands and pray,” she said, reflecting on the emotional connection and blessing of sharing those final moments with her daughter.
As Cathy navigates her profound grief, she hopes that sharing Daveigh’s story will shine a light on the struggles faced by those dealing with addiction, mental health issues, and the complexities of familial relationships.