Lilo & Stitch actor dies weeks after premiere as heartbroken family pay tribute
A star of Lilo & Stitch has died just weeks after the movie was released, his family has confirmed. Those closest to David Hekili Kenui Bell announced the actor died in an emotional statement.
David recently starred in the live-action remake of Disney's Lilo and Stitch, which premiered in cinemas last month. David's sister Jalene confirmed the tragedy on Facebook. She described her brother as a "sweet, generous, talented, funny, brilliant, and handsome" brother.
She revealed that although she didn't have a father figure growing up, "David gave me all the unconditional love I could possibly ask for and I believe that all his family and friends received the same from him."
Jalene recalled meeting David at her high school graduation after "asking for years" to meet him. "He was always so proud of me, his nieces, and his grandnephew, constantly engaged and always coming up with fun activities to get-together. We looked forward to going to Tatihi and the Lindsey reunion together to create more family connections."
According to Jalene's post, David's last outing with her was treating the family to the premiere of Lilo and Stitch in Kapolei. "He planned ahead and purchased the best seats in the house for us all to go together to opening night in Kapolei just two short weeks ago," the grieving sister wrote, reports the Mirror US.
"That's one trait we didn't share, planning ahead. We talked about and were so energised by the fans dressed in LandS gear head to toe, t-shirts, onesies, hats, masks, and the merch galore flying off the shelf as we stood in line for popcorn."
The proud Hawaiian also lent his voice to the P.A. system at Kona Airport and made appearances on popular shows like Magnum P. I. and Hawaii Five-0.
David's agent, Lashauna Downie, shared her shock with TMZ, stating: "I am learning like you through social media. This is heartbreaking and sad. He was one of my best talent and embodied the true meaning of aloha ... a gentle giant."
Fans flocked to X, previously known as Twitter, to express their sorrow. "rest easy, mahalo for the memories and the mana you gave this world," one user posted.
"Aw man, RIP to the Lilo and Stitch legend. Gone too soon," another chimed in. The cause of death has not been disclosed at this time.
Ahead of the movie's release fans praised the "perfect casting" of the live action remake. The film's logline teased at the time: "A live-action reimagining of Disney's 2002 animated classic, Lilo and Stitch is the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family."
The original animated film, released in 2002, was a massive commercial hit, raking in $273.1 million on a budget of $80 million. Critics also praised the film for its unique storytelling, humour, charm, and originality.
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