### Tragic Passing of Daveigh Chase Leaves Family at Odds Over Estate Management
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The untimely death of actress Daveigh Chase, best known for her roles in Disney’s *Lilo & Stitch* and the horror film *The Ring*, has sparked a dispute between her parents over the administration of her estate. Chase passed away on June 16 in Los Angeles at the age of 35, leaving behind an estimated $400,000 in personal property but no will.

In probate documents recently acquired by PEOPLE, Chase’s father, John Schwallier, has requested to supervise her estate through an administrator. His filing, submitted on July 23, reveals that he will not take on the role himself and is seeking the expertise of licensed professional fiduciary and paralegal Megan Boling to manage matters on his behalf. This move follows a prior request made by Chase’s mother, Cathy Chase, who also sought to be appointed the administrator of her daughter’s estate.
According to the filing, Schwallier’s petition outlines that Chase possessed no spouse or children at the time of her death. A probate hearing has been set for August 26 in the Los Angeles County Superior Court to address these requests and clarify the future management of Chase’s estate.
Chase was unhoused at the time of her death, living in a difficult environment on Skid Row in Los Angeles. A report from the medical examiner cited AIDS as the cause of death, while chronic polysubstance use was also noted as a significant contributing factor.
In his first public comments since Chase’s passing, Schwallier expressed his enduring grief, stating he thinks about her “constantly.” In an interview with the Daily Mail on what would have been her 36th birthday, he revealed that he has not received any of his daughter’s cremated remains. Schwallier, who currently resides in the Philippines, shared his intention to keep her remains in a handmade box in his home.
Cathy Chase spoke to the Daily Mail as well, recounting the circumstances that led to her daughter’s struggles with addiction. She suggested that the onset of Chase’s difficulties began following a motorcycle accident in 2016, after which she was prescribed pain medication. “She was seeking drugs and was partying with the wrong people,” Cathy explained, adding that she had always supported her daughter and never forced her out of their home.
In the wake of her death, tensions between her parents surrounding family estrangement and accountability have come to the forefront. Cathy Chase has attempted to distance these accusations, insisting that her daughter’s issues were not the result of familial discord.
As the family prepares for the probate hearing, both sides seem eager to ensure that Chase’s memory and legacy are respected through the management of her estate. Marking the unfortunate end of a promising career, the developments surrounding her life and death raise broader questions about the challenges faced by child stars and the effective support systems available for them.
Daveigh Chase’s legacy as a talented actress remains intact, though her struggles serve as a poignant reminder of the potential pitfalls of fame and the importance of mental health awareness. For anyone grappling with substance abuse, support is available through resources like the SAMHSA helpline, which provides essential assistance to those in need.
