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The Tragic Loss: Lilo & Stitch Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell Dead At 46—What We Know Now

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The global 'Ohana is in mourning this December 23, 2025, following the tragic and untimely passing of David Hekili Kenui Bell, an actor who recently appeared in Disney’s highly anticipated live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch. His death, at the age of 46, came just weeks after the film’s release, sending shockwaves through the cast and the wider Hawaiian film community where he was a respected figure. Bell’s passing marks a heartbreaking moment for the franchise, reminding fans of the fragility of life and the importance of 'ohana, or family.

The news has prompted an outpouring of tributes, particularly from those who worked on the recent film and other popular Hawaii-based productions. While initial reports were sparse, official details regarding the circumstances of his death have since been confirmed, providing clarity on the tragic event that took place in June 2025.

David Hekili Kenui Bell: A Life Cut Short and Full Biography

David Hekili Kenui Bell was a dedicated Hawaiian actor whose career spanned various television reboots and culminated in a role in one of Disney's biggest recent projects. His presence brought an authentic local spirit to every production he joined.

  • Full Name: David Hekili Kenui Bell
  • Born: Circa 1979
  • Died: June 12, 2025
  • Age at Death: 46
  • Place of Death: Hawaii, USA
  • Cause of Death (Official Autopsy): Acute Respiratory Failure, Sepsis, Hypertensive/Atherosclerotic Heart Disease, and Morbid Obesity.
  • Key Role in Lilo & Stitch (2025): Credited as the "Big Hawaiian Dude" who famously drops his shave ice after an alien encounter.
  • Other Notable Filmography: Appeared in reboots of popular television series filmed in Hawaii, including Hawaii Five-0 (where he played Issac in 2014) and Magnum P.I.
  • Legacy: Remembered as a kind and talented actor who made his big-screen debut in the Disney live-action remake.

Bell’s passing was confirmed by his sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, on her Facebook account on Sunday, June 15, 2025, just days after his death.

The Tragic Details: Cause of Death Revealed

The sudden nature of David Hekili Kenui Bell's death at a relatively young age of 46 led to immediate questions about the cause. The official autopsy report, released by the Hawaii Police Department, provided a clear, though heartbreaking, picture of the medical complexities involved.

The primary diagnoses listed were acute respiratory failure and sepsis. Acute respiratory failure occurs when the lungs cannot effectively move oxygen into the blood or remove carbon dioxide. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body's overwhelming response to infection.

Contributing factors listed in the official report included hypertensive and atherosclerotic heart disease, along with morbid obesity. The report also noted other conditions, such as stasis dermatitis and edema, which are often related to poor blood circulation. No foul play was suspected in the actor’s unexpected death.

His role as the "Big Hawaiian Dude" in the live-action film, a character seen in a memorable scene involving a dropped shave ice cone following the chaos caused by the alien Stitch, was a career highlight for Bell. The film, released in May 2025, was his big-screen debut, making his subsequent death even more poignant for fans and colleagues alike.

Remembering the Original 'Ohana: Other Losses in the Lilo & Stitch Cast

While the focus is currently on the recent loss of David Hekili Kenui Bell, he is not the first actor from the beloved Disney franchise to pass away. The original animated film’s cast has also experienced a significant loss, which is important to remember for the full context of the 'ohana.

The Legacy of David Ogden Stiers (Dr. Jumba Jookiba)

One of the most recognizable voices from the original 2002 animated film, Lilo & Stitch, was David Ogden Stiers, who voiced the eccentric, four-eyed alien scientist Dr. Jumba Jookiba. Stiers, also famous for his long-running role as Major Charles Emerson Winchester III on the TV series M*A*S*H, passed away on March 3, 2018, at the age of 75.

Stiers died peacefully at his home in Newport, Oregon, following a battle with bladder cancer. His voice work as Jumba spanned the original film, its sequels, and the animated television series, cementing his place as a core member of the Lilo & Stitch family. The 2025 live-action remake recast the role with actor Zach Galifianakis, but Stiers' original performance remains iconic.

The Core Cast Who Carry the Torch

Despite these losses, the core spirit of the 'ohana remains strong, with several original cast members participating in the 2025 live-action remake:

  • Chris Sanders: The co-director and co-creator of the animated film, who continues to voice the titular alien Experiment 626, Stitch, in the live-action version.
  • Tia Carrere: The original voice of Nani Pelekai returns in the live-action film as a new character, Mrs. Kekoa, a social worker.
  • Jason Scott Lee: The original voice of David Kawena has a cameo role in the new film as the Luau Manager.

The passing of David Hekili Kenui Bell is a profound reminder of the connections forged both on and off-screen. His brief but memorable appearance in the live-action remake, alongside the enduring legacy of David Ogden Stiers, underscores the deep sense of 'ohana that defines the Lilo & Stitch franchise—a family that extends beyond the screen and into the real world.

The entire production team and the fan community continue to honor the memory of both actors, celebrating their contributions to the beloved story of a little girl and her alien friend.

lilo and stitch actor dead
lilo and stitch actor dead

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