Daveigh Chase's father speaks out after former child actress's cause of death is confirmed as AIDS

Known for her roles in 'Lilo & Stitch' and 'The Ring', Chase died in a LA hospital on June 16 at the age of 35

Daveigh Chase's father has spoken publicly following confirmation of the former child actress's cause of death, saying he was not surprised after years in which she reportedly struggled with addiction and homelessness.

According to The California Post, John Schwallier reacted after the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that Chase died in a Los Angeles hospital on June 16 at the age of 35.

Her cause of death was listed as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), with "chronic polysubstance use" recorded as another significant condition. The manner of death was ruled natural.

Speaking to the publication, Schwallier said the diagnosis "doesn't surprise" him.

"It is what it is," he said, adding that "it's something you sometimes have to expect with the lifestyle she was living."

Schwallier said he had not seen his daughter in person since she was about six years old, although they remained in contact by telephone while she was growing up. He also revealed that her remains had been entrusted to her mother, Cathy.

He said he is prepared to pursue legal action to obtain some of his daughter's cremated remains, explaining that he hopes to keep them in a handmade box at his home in the Philippines.

"I had an empty feeling inside for not being with her for all these years," he said.

Chase reportedly spent years battling addiction and homelessness in Los Angeles, with friends and her long-time manager reportedly attempting to persuade her to enter rehabilitation.

Best known for voicing Lilo in Disney's Lilo & Stitch, Chase also voiced Chihiro in the English-language version of Spirited Away and appeared in films including The Ring. Her final on-screen role came in the 2016 thriller American Romance, after which she stepped away from public life.

A GoFundMe campaign created by a man identifying himself as Chase's boyfriend has become the subject of questions from her long-time manager, who said neither Chase's family nor close friends knew the organiser.