Lilo & Stitch actor David Hekili Kenui Bell was battling four devastating health conditions before death at 46

Daily Mail​

2 days ago

New details about the Lilo & Stitch actor David Hekili Kenui Bell's health prior to his death at 46 have been revealed following the release of his autopsy report.
In the report, which was issued by the Hawaiʻi Police Department and obtained by People, Bell had been afflicted with four 'pathological diagnoses' at the time of his death on June 12 on Hawaii's Big Island.
The autopsy was reportedly performed a week after his death, on June 19, though the results weren't completed until July 10.
Bell's tragic death occurred just weeks after he made his big screen debut in Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch film, which was released on May 23.
According to the report, Bell was determined to have been suffering from acute respiratory failure, sepsis, hypertensive/atherosclerotic heart disease and morbid obesity.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, acute respiratory failure occurs when the body's supply of oxygen suddenly dwindles to dangerous levels, or when too much carbon dioxide builds up in the blood.
Sepsis is a potentially deadly condition in which the body's immune system defenses are overwhelmed by an infection and begin to attack tissues and organs rather than the infection.
Atherosclerosis describes the hardening of the walls of arteries delivering oxygen-rich blood, which is caused by a build-up of plaque comprised of fat and cholesterol. The condition is highly associated with high blood pressure (hypertension).
When arteries become too block with plaque, it can block blood flow, potentially triggering a heart attack or other serious medical condition.
The increase in pressure in blocked arteries can also cause blood clots or ruptures, which could include a stroke.
The report's toxicology screen reportedly showed no indication that Bell had drugs or alcohol in his system at the time of his death.
Bell's autopsy report indicates that efforts were made to resuscitate him by medical professionals.
The medical examiner reportedly noted that Bell still had defibrillator pads on his chest, while an airway was still present in his mouth. He also still had a blood pressure cuff on his right arm, while an IV line was place in his left arm.
The actor had 'complained of difficulty breathing' shortly before dying.
The medical examiner also noted the presence of an intraosseous needle in Bell's left leg, which is used to to deliver fluids or medications rapidly when medical professionals either aren't able to access veins or when there is a delay in tapping them, according to the NIH's National Library of Medicine.
The report stated that Bell suffered from stasis dermatitis, a form of eczema caused by poor blood circulation in the legs, and edema, which is swelling caused by a build-up of fluid in tissues, usually occurring in the legs, feet and ankles.
Despite the details, the autopsy report does not list Bell's cause of death or manner of death.
An officer with the Hawaiʻi Police Department reportedly told People that the department's investigation into Bell's death was now complete.
A police spokesperson previously told the outlet that the coroner's inquest investigation was standard procedure, and that no foul play was suspected in Bell's death.
The actor's obituary in the Hawaii Tribune-Herald, from August 1, stated that a service was held for him at the Annunciation Catholic Church in Waimea on August 9.
In a statement obtained by DailyMail.com, Bell's rep confirmed his death as she described him as a an extraordinary talent and a deeply cherished member of our BLISS ʻOhana (family).'
'David brought light, kindness, and a beautiful spirit to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be profoundly missed by everyone whose lives he touched,' she wrote. 'We extend our deepest sympathies to his ʻohana during this incredibly difficult time and are honoring their privacy as they grieve.'
She concluded her statement by writing: 'Rest in love, dear David. Your legacy and aloha spirit will live on in the hearts of all of us. A hui hou — until we meet again.'
Bell's sister Jalene Kanani Bell revealed the loss with a 'heavy heart' in a statement posted to her Facebook account in June.
'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,' Jalene's post began. 'I've been waiting for the words and mindset to properly express the joy of a human, and Prince of a Man he was, but fate pushed my hand this morning by a pre-scheduled Father's Day newsletter honoring the men in our lives.
'I met my little brother at the age of 18, on my high school graduation day, it was the most amazing surprise which I had been asking for for years, that our mom's made happen for us, and that gift has lasted a lifetime.
'While I didn't grow up with a Father, 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.
'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.
'David loved being an actor, doing voiceovers, spending time with Brutus traveling as an ambassador for Kona Brew. The film industry and entertainment was so exciting to him and I loved that he enjoyed the arts. He went to Punahou and Kalani while our dad spoke Hawaiian so his ability to deliver lines with English understanding, Indigenous knowledge and Pidgen to da Max…made him a diamond in the rough.
'You can hear him over the PA system on arrival at Kona Airport where he loved working to create an awesome and safe customer experience.
His sister paid a heartbreaking tribute to the actor shortly after his death
'He was and will remain a bright and shining star. He recently made it on to the big screen with an iconic Lilo & Stich momment [sic]. 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. That's one trait we didn't share, planning ahead:) We talked about and were so energized by the fans dressed in L&S gear head to toe, t-shirts, onezees, hats, mask, and the merch galore flying off the shelf as we stood in line for pop-corn.
'I said we should get shave ice after the movie and reenact the sceen but then realized the store was already closed [sic]. To celebrate him and try to ease our grief we went to get shave ice and my grandson's emotion was on point.
'To Aunty Gerry and the Kenui 'Ohana you raised an amazing human who became the most loving and supportive man in my life and I am eternally grateful.
'I share this grief with our older sister Kehau Bell, and my younger sister, Lara Leimana, who while not a Bell, loved and adored him as her own.
'He enjoyed social media and I'll be resharing some of my favorite post he made, and some I am just seeing for the first time that I missed, because they are so funny and heartwarming.
'Hug your loved ones today…our last time together after returning home from the movie was just sitting on my living room couch talking story about life, having a seltzer and doing a little genealogy. Blessed by this and all the big and small moments, I will keep our memories alive.'
In addition to his role on Lilo & Stitch, David has also made appearances in Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five-O.
According to his IMDb, he is set to appear in another film as well - The Wrecking Crew, which is currently in post-production.
David's last Instagram post was on May 30.
He shared an interview with the team behind Kona Brewing's campaign, which won the Pele Award for Best In Show for Advertising.
David, an ambassador for the brand, raved in the caption: '2025 Pele Awards Overall Winner! #KonaBrewingHawaii #NMG #NellaMediaGroup.'
The actor, who played 'Big Hawaiian Dude' in Lilo & Stitch, had been keeping fans up-to-date on the film on his social media.
Last month he shared video of his audition, which saw him humorously failing to eat a fake snow cone.
'My audition had some special effects,' he captioned the post. 'I'm pretty sure that's what did it... Also some random stuff... #LiloAndStitch #Stitch #Disney.'