New details emerge in death of Lilo & Stitch’s David Hekili Kenui Bell at 46
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Authorities have ruled out foul play in the death of actor David Hekili Kenui Bell at age 46.
On Tuesday, police in Hawaii confirmed to TMZ that the investigation is ongoing.
Earlier this week news broke that the star, best known for appearing in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch live-action remake, died on June 12 at 2:26 p.m.
At this time, the cause of death has not been released, and the coroner’s report and autopsy have yet to be completed.
His death comes just weeks after he made his big screen debut in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch film, which was released on May 23.
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).’
Authorities have ruled out foul play in the death of actor David Hekili Kenui Bell at age 46
‘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.’
David’s sister Jalene Kanani Bell revealed the loss with a ‘heavy heart’ in a statement posted to her Facebook account on Sunday.
‘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 publication. ‘The investigation is ongoing at this time. No foul play is suspected.’
David’s family confirmed the death with TMZ, while his rep Lashauna Downie told the outlet: ‘I am learning like you through social media. This is heartbreaking & sad. He was one of my best talent & embodied the true meaning of aloha … a gentle giant.’
‘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.
On Tuesday, police in Hawaii confirmed to TMZ that the investigation is ongoing; seen with his former Lilo & Stitch costar Maia Kealoha
‘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.
‘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. 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.
Earlier this week news broke that the star, best known for appearing in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch live-action remake, died on June 12 at 2:26 p.m.
‘I said we should get shave ice after the movie and reenact the scene but then realized the store was already closed. 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.
His sister paid a heartbreaking tribute to the actor
‘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.’
Maia Kealoha, who portrayed Lilo, and her mother, Brittney Kealoha, also paid tribute to her late costar on Instagram.
‘Eh Uncle David, save some shave ice for me too k?! Maia is surely going to miss telling you that. Rest in love @hekili97,’ they wrote in a joint post. ‘In Hawai’i calling someone uncle, auntie, tutu (grandma) etc. when they are not blood related is a sign of respect. David was that to Maia, he was just like one of her uncles and treated her like his own ohana.’
They concluded: ‘David I’m so proud of you and happy for all that you accomplished in this life. You definitely made your mark around the world. A hui hou friend, love the Kealoha ohana.’
Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, who is best known for her role as Nani Pelekai in Lilo & Stitch, called their former costar ‘a beautiful, bright, and kind soul’ in her tribute.
‘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,’ his sister said in the post
‘Thank you for your love & endless support. It was a pleasure to work with you and to have crossed paths on Lilo & Stitch. I wish we had more time with you here,’ she continued. ‘I hope you’re at peace smiling down and my heart is with your friends and family.
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.
Kealoha, who portrayed Lilo, and her mother, Brittney Kealoha, also paid tribute to her late costar on Instagram (pictured above together)
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.’
