‘Lilo & Stitch' actor David H.K. Bell's autopsy reveals sad life-saving attempts, complicated health history

New York Post

18 hours ago

David Hekili Kenui Bell's autopsy report has revealed surprising new details about the 'Lilo & Stitch' star's death.
The report, which was issued by the Hawaii Police Department and obtained by People on Tuesday, found that Bell suffered several serious health issues before his tragic passing on June 12 at the age of 46.
Four 'pathological diagnoses' were listed among the report's findings, according to the outlet, including acute respiratory failure, sepsis, hypertensive/atherosclerotic heart disease and morbid obesity.
6 David Hekili Kenui Bell in the live-action 'Lilo & Stitch' movie, which premiered just days before his death on June 12.
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6 Bell's autopsy report was released on Tuesday, two months after the actor's passing on June 12.
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Bell's autopsy, which was carried out at Kona Community Hospital in Kealakekua on June 19 and completed on July 10, also found that the 'Hawaii Five-0' actor suffered from stasis dermatitis (a skin condition caused by poor blood circulation in the legs) and edema (build-up of fluid in the body's tissue and most common in the legs or arms).
The report further revealed that Bell 'complained of difficulty breathing' shortly before his death, and a toxicology screen determined that there were no drugs or alcohol in the actor's system above reporting limits.
Although no cause or manner of death was listed, the autopsy report indicated that medical personnel attempted to resuscitate Bell.
6 Bell's autopsy report revealed that he 'complained of difficulty breathing' shortly before his death.
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Besides defibrillator pads on Bell's chest, the exam discovered an airway in his mouth, a blood pressure cuff on his right arm, an IV line in his left arm and an intraosseous needle, used to 'deliver fluids, medications or obtain laboratory samples,' in his left leg.
An officer at the Hawaii Police Department, meanwhile, informed People that an investigation into Bell's death has been completed.
The department previously confirmed that a probe had been launched to determine how the 'Magnum P.I.' actor died.
6 No cause or manner of death was listed with Bell's autopsy report.
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'We have launched a coroner's inquest investigation (as is standard practice) and an autopsy is being scheduled to determine the exact cause of death,' a police spokesperson told the outlet on June 16.
'The investigation is ongoing at this time,' they added. 'No foul play is suspected.'
Jalene Kanani Bell, the 'Lilo & Stitch' star's sister, was the first to announce her beloved brother's passing away in an emotional Facebook post on June 15.
6 Jalene Kanani Bell, Bell's sister, was the first to announce the actor's passing away in an emotional post on June 15.
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'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.
Bell's shocking passing came just weeks after he made his big-screen debut in Disney's live-action 'Lilo & Stitch' remake on May 23, and the media giant later paid tribute to the actor in an Instagram post on June 17.
'We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of David Hekili Kenui Bell,' the studio wrote alongside a picture of Bell from the movie. 'Kind, caring, and a friend to all on set; he will forever be a member of the Disney and Lilo & Stitch family.'
Lashauna Downie, Bell's former rep, also paid tribute to the late actor following the sad news of his death.
6 An investigation into Bell's death has also been completed.
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'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,' Downie shared in a statement to The Post.
'We extend our deepest sympathies to his ʻohana during this incredibly difficult time and are honoring their privacy as they grieve,' she added at the time.