Lilo & Stitch Star David H.K. Bell: Inside The Shocking Autopsy Report And His Hawaiian Legacy

The entertainment world was stunned by the unexpected passing of beloved Hawaiian actor David Hekili Kenui Bell, who died recently on June 12, 2025, at the age of 46. Bell, instantly recognizable to fans for his role in the highly anticipated live-action remake of Disney's Lilo & Stitch, was a vibrant fixture in the local and national acting scene. His death, which occurred just weeks after the film's premiere, left his family, friends, and the entire Hawaiian community in mourning, prompting an immediate outpouring of tributes.

The initial shock has since given way to a search for answers regarding the sudden loss of the talented performer. While police quickly determined there was no foul play involved, the official autopsy report, released in August 2025, provided a clearer, albeit heartbreaking, picture of the underlying health issues that contributed to his untimely passing. This report unveiled several significant pathological findings, detailing the medical conditions David H.K. Bell was silently battling in the lead-up to his death in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

David Hekili Kenui Bell: A Life in Hawaiian Entertainment

David Hekili Kenui Bell was more than just a talented actor; he was a proud son of Hawaii whose career was deeply rooted in the islands' culture and community. Born on January 10, 1979, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Bell’s passion for performance led him to a career spanning acting, voiceover work, and community ambassadorship.

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His biography is marked by a steady presence in projects that celebrated the Hawaiian landscape and lifestyle. He was a familiar face on television, appearing in some of the most popular shows filmed in the state.

• Full Name: David Hekili Kenui Bell
• Date of Birth: January 10, 1979
• Place of Birth: Honolulu, Hawaii
• Date of Death: June 12, 2025
• Place of Death: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
• Age at Death: 46
• Known Roles: Live-action Lilo & Stitch (2025), Magnum, P.I., Hawaii Five-0
• Lilo & Stitch Role: Credited as the "Shave Ice Guy" or "Big Hawaiian Dude"
• Family: Survived by his sister, Jalene Kanani Bell

Bell's acting credits include a co-starring role as Manu Saluni in the 2018 reboot of Magnum, P.I. (specifically Season 1, Episode 17). He also appeared as the character Issac in a 2014 episode of the original Hawaii Five-0 series. However, his most high-profile role came with the Disney live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch, where his brief but memorable appearance as the local "Shave Ice Guy" cemented his place in the Disney universe and brought him international recognition just before his passing.

The Unexpected Tragedy: David H.K. Bell's Cause of Death Revealed

The sudden nature of David H.K. Bell's death at such a young age led to significant media attention and a desire from the public to understand the circumstances. The Hawaii Police Department confirmed early on that there was no indication of foul play, focusing the investigation on natural causes.

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The official autopsy report, released nearly two months after his death, provided a definitive medical explanation. The report detailed that Bell had complained of difficulty breathing in the time leading up to his death, a symptom that pointed to severe underlying cardiovascular and respiratory issues.

Four Pathological Findings from the Autopsy Report

The medical examiner's report listed four significant pathological diagnoses that contributed to the actor's passing:

1. Acute Respiratory Distress: A life-threatening lung condition that prevents enough oxygen from getting to the blood. This finding aligns with the pre-death complaint of difficulty breathing.
2. Cardiomegaly: More commonly known as an enlarged heart. This condition often indicates underlying heart disease and can lead to heart failure.
3. Severe Coronary Atherosclerosis: This is a severe hardening and narrowing of the arteries caused by a buildup of fatty deposits, or plaque. This condition significantly restricts blood flow to the heart, which is a major risk factor for heart attacks and sudden cardiac death.
4. Stasis Dermatitis and Edema: These are conditions related to poor circulation, specifically in the legs. Stasis dermatitis is a skin inflammation, and edema is swelling caused by fluid retention, both of which are often symptomatic of underlying heart or venous insufficiency.

The combination of these severe cardiovascular and respiratory conditions indicates that David H.K. Bell was suffering from advanced heart disease, which ultimately led to his acute respiratory distress and death. The release of these details brought a sense of closure to the tragedy, shifting the focus from the mystery of his death to the celebration of his life and the importance of heart health awareness.

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Beyond the Screen: David's Legacy and Community Role

While his acting career brought him fame, David H.K. Bell’s legacy in Hawaii is also deeply intertwined with his role as a community ambassador. He was a passionate advocate for local culture and a well-known figure in the business community, particularly through his association with a prominent local company.

For years, Bell served as a dedicated ambassador for the Kona Brewing Company. His work went beyond mere endorsement; he was one of the key faces in their popular "One Life, Right?" commercial campaign, which was a fixture in the Hawaiʻi TV Campaign and even received recognition at the Pele Show Awards. His sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, fondly recalled his love for acting, voiceovers, and the time he spent traveling with his dog, Brutus, as part of his ambassador duties for Kona Brew.

His presence was a symbol of the authentic Hawaiian spirit—warm, welcoming, and deeply connected to the land and its people. The entities he touched, from the set of a major Disney film to the local craft brewing scene, all benefited from his genuine enthusiasm and talent.

The tributes that poured in following his death highlighted his generosity, talent, and brilliant sense of humor. His passing is felt keenly by those who knew him personally and professionally, marking the loss of a true Hawaiian talent who had much more to offer the world. His contributions to Hawaiian-based television and film, coupled with his role in promoting local business, ensure that the memory of David Hekili Kenui Bell will continue to resonate across the islands and with fans worldwide.