The Tragic Loss: Lilo & Stitch Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell Dies At 46, Cause Of Death Revealed

The *Lilo & Stitch* ‘ohana is mourning a profound loss. As of today, December 15, 2025, the most recent and tragic passing from the cast of the beloved Disney franchise is that of Hawaiian actor David Hekili Kenui Bell. Bell, who made his big-screen debut in the highly anticipated 2025 live-action remake of *Lilo & Stitch*, died suddenly at the age of 46, just weeks after the film’s premiere. His unexpected death has sent shockwaves through the cast and the Hawaiian community, leaving a void for fans who had just been introduced to his memorable performance.

The news of his passing on June 12, 2025, was confirmed by his family, leading to an outpouring of grief and emotional tributes from those who knew him, remembering him as a "bright and shining star" of the local acting scene. The live-action remake, which was intended to be a career breakthrough, now stands as a poignant final tribute to his talent and warmth.

David Hekili Kenui Bell: Biography and Final Role

David Hekili Kenui Bell was a proud Hawaiian actor who brought a genuine local spirit to the *Lilo & Stitch* live-action remake. While his time in the spotlight was brief, his presence in the film solidified his place in the Disney legacy. His professional biography, though short, is a testament to a life deeply connected to his home state and its culture.

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• Full Name: David Hekili Kenui Bell
• Date of Birth: 1979 (Exact date not widely publicized)
• Date of Death: June 12, 2025
• Age: 46 years old
• Place of Death: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
• Ethnicity: Native Hawaiian
• Notable Role: "Big Hawaiian Dude" in the Lilo & Stitch live-action remake (2025)
• Other Work: Bell also had credits in the popular television series *Hawaii Five-0*.
• Legacy: Remembered by family and colleagues as a man with a warm heart and a deep connection to his Hawaiian roots, often referred to as "Uncle" by the younger cast members.

In the 2025 live-action adaptation, Bell played the role of the "Big Hawaiian Dude," a character who, despite a small amount of screen time, represented the authentic local flavor the filmmakers aimed to capture. His work alongside the new cast, including Maia Kealoha (Lilo) and Sydney Agudong (Nani), was a highlight of the production, and he was known for being a supportive and encouraging presence on set.

The Official Cause of Death: Health Complications

The sudden nature of David Hekili Kenui Bell's passing at such a relatively young age immediately prompted questions about the cause of death. Details were later released based on an autopsy report conducted by the Hawaii Police Department, providing a clear but heartbreaking picture of the health struggles the actor was facing.

The official findings indicated that Bell died from a combination of severe health complications. The primary diagnoses listed were: acute respiratory failure, sepsis, hypertensive/atherosclerotic heart disease, and morbid obesity.

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Acute Respiratory Failure: This condition occurs when fluid builds up in the air sacs in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe, which can be a consequence of other underlying health issues.

Sepsis: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs. It is a severe complication that can rapidly lead to death.

Hypertensive/Atherosclerotic Heart Disease: This refers to heart conditions caused by high blood pressure (hypertension) and the buildup of plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis), which severely restricts blood flow and can lead to a fatal cardiac event.

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The report also noted other contributing factors, including stasis dermatitis, a skin condition caused by poor blood circulation, which is often linked to the other underlying systemic health problems. The combination of these serious diagnoses highlights the rapid and overwhelming nature of the health crisis that led to his death in Kailua-Kona.

Tributes and The 'Ohana's Grief

The concept of 'Ohana, meaning family, is central to the *Lilo & Stitch* narrative, and the cast and crew demonstrated this bond in their response to Bell's passing. The news came just as the film was being released to the public, turning a moment of celebration into one of profound sadness.

Emotional tributes poured in from his sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, and other members of the *Lilo & Stitch* cast, who affectionately referred to him as "Uncle." His sister described him on social media as a "bright and shining star" who will be deeply missed by his family and the wider community.

The live-action *Lilo & Stitch* now serves as a memorial to Bell's involvement, a final showcase of his talent, and a reminder of the strong bonds formed during the production in Hawaii. The film’s themes of family, loss, and finding a place to belong resonate even more deeply following this tragedy, particularly for the actors who worked closely with him.

Beyond the Live-Action Remake: Other Lilo & Stitch Actors We Have Lost

While David Hekili Kenui Bell is the most recent actor to pass, the *Lilo & Stitch* franchise has experienced another significant loss in recent years, a figure whose voice defined one of the most iconic characters of the animated original. Topical authority requires an acknowledgment of other key members of the 'ohana who are no longer with us.

David Ogden Stiers (Dr. Jumba Jookiba)

The most recognizable passing from the original 2002 animated film's main cast is that of the legendary actor David Ogden Stiers. Stiers, who was best known for his role as Major Charles Emerson Winchester III in the classic TV series *M*A*S*H*, provided the distinct and hilarious voice of Dr. Jumba Jookiba, the alien creator of Experiment 626 (Stitch).

• Role in Franchise: Voice of Dr. Jumba Jookiba in *Lilo & Stitch* (2002), *Stitch! The Movie*, *Lilo & Stitch: The Series*, and *Leroy & Stitch*.
• Date of Death: March 3, 2018.
• Age: 75 years old.
• Cause of Death: Bladder cancer.
• Legacy: Stiers’ voice work extended across the Disney universe, including Cogsworth in *Beauty and the Beast* and the Archdeacon in *The Hunchback of Notre Dame*. His performance as the "evil genius" Jumba is one of the most beloved and enduring elements of the *Lilo & Stitch* universe, a character whose voice is instantly recognizable to a generation of fans.

Stiers' death marked a major loss for the world of animation and television, and his work as Jumba Jookiba cemented his legacy in the hearts of Disney enthusiasts. The character's popularity ensured that Stiers' voice would live on in the franchise for years to come.

The Enduring Legacy of the 'Ohana

The sudden passing of David Hekili Kenui Bell, followed by the earlier loss of David Ogden Stiers, serves as a solemn reminder of the fragility of life, even within the magical world of Disney. The phrase "Ohana means family, family means no one gets left behind or forgotten" takes on a deeper, more emotional meaning when reflecting on the actors who brought these characters to life.

The live-action *Lilo & Stitch* (2025) was a celebration of the original film's themes, and David Hekili Kenui Bell's performance, though brief, contributed to the film’s authentic Hawaiian setting. His role as the "Big Hawaiian Dude" was a point of pride for the local community, and his memory will be honored by the cast and crew who shared the experience of making the film.

As the *Lilo & Stitch* franchise continues to grow, the contributions of both Bell and Stiers—one representing the new, authentic face of the live-action world, and the other the iconic voice of the animated classic—will forever be woven into the fabric of the story. Their work ensures that they will not be left behind or forgotten by the millions of fans who cherish the spirit of 'Ohana.