Friends Question Fundraiser for Late Actress Daveigh Chase

A fundraising campaign created following the death of actress Daveigh Chase has sparked controversy among those who knew her, with friends and former management questioning the legitimacy of a GoFundMe launched by a man identifying himself as her boyfriend.

Roy Hernandez, who claims to have been in a relationship with Chase since 2019, created the fundraiser to cover medical and living expenses for the actress known for her roles in "Lilo & Stitch" and "The Ring." According to Hernandez, Chase had been battling meningitis and multiple blood infections in her final days and required financial support.

However, a longtime friend and former manager for Chase has expressed serious reservations about the campaign. "A man claiming to be Daveigh's boyfriend has launched a GoFundMe page purportedly on behalf of Daveigh and her family. Neither her family nor her close friends know who this person is," the manager told TMZ.

The former manager further stated that Chase possessed adequate financial resources through her professional union. "I can confirm Daveigh has a SAG trust account with more than enough funds to cover all medical and related expenses," he said, speaking to TMZ. The manager also noted that Chase's father contacted the hospital on Tuesday to claim her body.

Chase died Tuesday from meningitis and a blood infection that progressed to sepsis, ultimately causing her body to shut down, according to Hernandez's account.

The former manager has urged the public to exercise caution, advising potential donors not to contribute to the fundraiser "until the organizer's identity and claims can be verified."

Hernandez has vigorously defended the fundraiser's authenticity, stating it is "100 percent" false to suggest the GoFundMe campaign is illegitimate. He indicated his intention was to use the collected funds to ensure Chase receives a proper memorial service, though that plan may be superseded if her father assumes control of the arrangements.

The fundraising platform GoFundMe has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the disputed campaign.

The dispute highlights the complex challenges that can emerge when questions arise about who has the authority to speak for a deceased individual and manage their final affairs. The conflicting accounts from Hernandez and Chase's longtime associates have created uncertainty about the appropriate channels for those wishing to honor the actress's memory.