Daveigh Chase’s Boyfriend Says Claims His GoFundMe Is Illegitate Are ‘100 Percent False’

"The Ring" star Daveigh Chase's former manager has disputed a GoFundMe launched by her boyfriend following her death from meningitis and sepsis.

"Lilo and Stitch" star Daveigh Chase's boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, has responded after the late actress's former manager and longtime friend, John Ryan, disputed the GoFundMe he launched in her name following her illness and death.

Chase passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, after being diagnosed with meningitis and a blood infection that led to sepsis, eventually causing her body to shut down. Hernandez confirmed her passing that same day to TMZ. She was 35.

Shortly before she died, Hernandez had started the GoFundMe under Chase's name to give her "a sense of home and peace" in her final days. At the time of writing, the campaign had raised $3,900 of its $5,500 goal.

However, Ryan told Deadline in a statement that "Daveigh's estate has plenty of means to pay for the cremation." He said he had been in touch with Chase's father, John Schwallier, who is her next of kin.

"John is next of kin and never signed any paperwork over to this so-called boyfriend," Ryan added. In a separate statement to TMZ, he stressed:

"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."

"I can confirm Daveigh has a SAG trust account with more than enough funds to cover all medical and related expenses," he said, noting that Chase's father called the hospital to claim her body the day she died. Her family is now handling her affairs and funeral arrangements.

Following Ryan's statements, Hernandez — who said he had been with Chase since 2019 — denied that he started the GoFundMe to line his own pockets. He said he launched the fundraiser because she was ill and needed financial support.

While Ryan is urging the public not to contribute "until the organizer's identity and claims can be verified," Hernandez maintains it is "100 percent" false to suggest his GoFundMe is illegitimate.

In the campaign description, which included photos of him and Chase, Hernandez said the actress had "faced more than her share of hardship."

"After a difficult childhood and a painful falling out with her family, Daveigh was bullied and struggled to find safety and happiness in downtown LA. When we met, I promised to protect her and give her the love and comfort she deserved," he wrote.

"Together, we found moments of happiness and hope. Recently, everything changed," Hernandez continued. "Daveigh was diagnosed with meningitis and several serious blood infections."

"Her condition has become critical, and the doctors have told me she may not have much time left," he said. "All she ever wanted was a place where we could live together, feel safe, and be happy. Now, more than ever, I want to give her that sense of home and peace in her final days."