‘Lilo & Stitch’ Star Daveigh Chase’s Former Manager Slams Boyfriend’s GoFundMe

"The Ring" star's former manager and longtime friend has disputed her boyfriend's GoFundMe, and urged the public not to donate amid claims the funds won't cover her expenses.

Daveigh Chase's former manager and longtime friend John Ryan has vehemently disputed a GoFundMe launched by the late actress's boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, in the wake of her illness and death.

Daveigh Chase attends Hyundai and The GRAMMY's RE:GENERATION MUSIC PROJECT World Premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on February 10, 2012 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

In a lengthy statement to Deadline, Ryan urged the public not to contribute to the fundraiser. "Daveigh's estate has plenty of means to pay for the cremation," he told the outlet, adding that he has been in touch with Chase's father, John Schwallier, who is next of kin.

"John is next of kin and never signed any paperwork over to this so-called boyfriend," Ryan said. "That GoFundMe is not going toward ANY expenses for Daveigh. Myself, her father, her uncle, and all of us close friends who knew her for decades are encouraging people not to donate to this page."

Daveigh Chase attends the NYLON Magazine Music Issue Launch Party at The Roxy Theatre on May 30, 2012 in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Ryan also leveled serious accusations at Hernandez, alleging he withheld information from Chase's family during a critical time. "This man making these claims brought her into the hospital in terrible condition and didn't let any of the family know until she passed so he can control the dialogue," he said.

Ryan confirmed that it is Chase's family that is handling her affairs and funeral arrangements.

Daveigh Chase attends Vogue's "Triple Threats" dinner hosted by Sally Singer and Lisa Love at Goldie's on April 3, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

He also disclosed that the family has contacted GoFundMe to report Hernandez for launching the campaign under Chase's name "when she was already unresponsive." He did not hold back in his criticism of Hernandez's motives.

"I find it disgusting that this man is using our friend's tragic passing to get a few bucks for he and his family," he said. "There are no medical bills to be paid or funeral expenses. Myself and the family are handling all of those costs."

Daveigh Chase arrives at HBO's "Big Love" Season 5 premiere at Directors Guild of America on January 12, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

He went further, expressing his outrage over the circumstances surrounding Chase's hospitalization. "As far as I'm concerned with the condition this man brought her to the hospital, he should be in jail," Ryan added.

"Myself and the family are sickened at the condition she was in before she passed. This guy's trying to make it look like a Romeo and Juliet situation to benefit his own pockets."

Daveigh Chase attends BULLETT Magazine's Spring Fling celebrating the Obsessed Issue - Volume VI held at Dilettante Exhibition Space on April 11, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

In a separate interview with The California Post, Ryan had already spoken out against the GoFundMe, revealing, "I can confirm Daveigh has a trust account set up at SAG to cover all costs." He also shared that her father contacted the hospital that same day she died to claim her body.

While Ryan is urging the public to hold off on contributing "until the organizer's identity and claims can be verified," however, Hernandez has maintained that it is "100 percent" false to suggest his GoFundMe is illegitimate.

Daveigh Chase arrives at NYLON Magazine's 12th Anniversary Issue Party With The Cast of "Sucker Punch" at Tru Hollywood on March 24, 2011 in California. | Source: Getty Images

Chase passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from meningitis and a blood infection that progressed to sepsis, causing her body to shut down. Her death was confirmed by Hernandez to TMZ, who also revealed she had previously been hospitalized due to malnutrition.

Daveigh Chase sighting at Streets of Manhattan on March 19, 2012 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Ryan shared that he and Chase's stepsister had enlisted a private investigator to track her down and get her the support she needed. After a troubling video of the actress looking alarmingly thin surfaced online, Ryan managed to make contact with her.

The two had planned to enroll her in a rehabilitation facility, but by the time he reached Skid Row, she was gone. "We were so close to finding her," he told The Post. "Daveigh was the sweetest and brightest light in Hollywood. I can't believe this is real. Her legacy and work will live on forever."