‘Lilo & Stitch’ Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell Dies At 46 – Only A Few Weeks After Movie Came Out
‘Lilo & Stitch’ Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell Dies at 46, Just Weeks After Movie Release
David Hekili Kenui Bell, an actor in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch remake, has passed away at the age of 46—just weeks after the film’s U.S. premiere on May 23. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Bell’s family and local authorities.
Bell Passed Away on June 12
According to Hawai’i police, Bell died on Thursday, June 12 at 2:26 p.m. A spokesperson stated that a coroner’s inquest investigation has been launched, which is standard procedure, and an autopsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. No foul play is suspected at this time.
Sister Confirms Death in Heartfelt Post
Bell’s sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, shared the news on Facebook on Sunday, June 15, and also confirmed the passing to TMZ. Her emotional tribute remembered him as a kind, generous, and loving soul.
“It is with a heavy heart I share that my sweet, generous, talented, funny, brilliant and handsome little brother David H. K. Bell will spend today in the company of our Heavenly Father,” she wrote. She described him as “a joy of a human, and Prince of a Man.”
His Agent Was Also Shocked
Bell’s agent, Lashauna Downie, was among those who learned about his death through social media. In a statement to TMZ, she said, “This is heartbreaking & sad, if true. He was one of my best talents and embodied the true meaning of aloha—a gentle giant.”
A Special Sibling Bond
Jalene reflected on their special bond, revealing that she first met David on her high school graduation day—an emotional moment she had wished for since childhood.
“While I didn’t grow up with a father, David gave me all the unconditional love I could possibly ask for,” she wrote. “And I believe that all his family and friends received the same from him.”
Celebrating His Big-Screen Moment
Just weeks before his passing, Bell celebrated his role in Lilo & Stitch with his loved ones. Jalene shared that he had bought the best seats for their family to attend opening night in Kapolei.
“We saw people dressed up in Lilo & Stitch outfits at the theater,” she recalled. “It was such a special night for him—and for all of us.”
Honoring His Memory
In the days following his passing, Jalene and her family found comfort in small acts of remembrance. After watching the film, they went out for shave ice, a nod to one of the film’s scenes and a way to celebrate David’s memory.
“Our last time together was sitting on my couch, talking about life, drinking a seltzer, and doing a little genealogy,” she shared. “Blessed by this and all the big and small moments—I will keep our memories alive.”
She closed her tribute with a gentle reminder: “Hug your loved ones today.”
David Hekili Kenui Bell’s warmth and spirit will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fans, and the Hawaiian community he proudly represented.
