Actor dies weeks after Disney film hit cinemas
Actor dies weeks after Disney film hit cinemas
David Hekili's family have posted a heartfelt tribute to the Hawaiian actor
David Hekili Kenui Bell appeared in the live-action Lilo & Stitch
A Disney actor starring in a new film has died weeks after its release. David Hekili Kenui Bell recently appeared in the live-action remake of the Disney classic Lilo & Stitch that premiered in cinemas in May this year.
But his family have now confirmed his death in a heartfelt statement posted on social media on Monday, June 16. David's sister Jalene announced the tragedy on Facebook, confirming he died the previous day and describing him a "sweet, generous, talented, funny, brilliant, and handsome" brother.
She revealed that whilst she never had a father figure as a child, "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 expressed how she had met David at her graduation after "asking for years" to meet him. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
She wrote: "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 Tahiti and the Lindsey reunion together to create more family connections."
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The last time Jalene spent with David was when he invited their family to the movie premiere of Lilo & Stitch in Kapolei.
She said: "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 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."
As well as the Disney film, the Hawaiian actor made appearances on popular shows like Magnum P. I. and Hawaii Five-0 and was the voice of the P.A. system at Kona Airport.
David's agent Lashauna Downie, expressed her shock with TMZ, saying: "I am learning like you through social media. This is heart breaking and sad. He was one of my best talent and embodied the true meaning of aloha... a gentle giant."
Fans took to X to express their grief, with one saying: "rest easy, mahalo for the memories and the mana you gave this world."
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Another said: "Aw man, RIP to the Lilo and Stitch legend. Gone too soon."
His cause of death has not been confirmed.
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