David Hekili Kenui Bell, who was an actor in the new Lilo & Stitch live-action remake movie, has died aged 46.
This comes only a few weeks after the movie came out
Bell passed away on Thursday, June 12, only a few weeks after Lilo & Stitch came out in the US on May 23.
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The actor’s sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, shared the news on her Facebook account on Sunday, June 15, also confirming to TMZ, which was the first outlet to report on the actor’s death the day after.
Police also confirmed his death
Hawai’i police have also confirmed that the actor died on June 12 at 2:26pm, as per People.
A police spokesperson said, “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.”
“The investigation is ongoing at this time. No foul play is suspected,” they added.
His agent found out online too
In a statement to the outlet, Bell’s agent, Lashauna Downie, said she also found out about the tragic news online.
“I am learning like you through social media. This is heartbreaking & sad, if true,” Downie said. “He was one of my best talent & embodied the true meaning of aloha…a gentle giant.”
His sister wrote a tribute for him
The actor’s sister, Jalene, wrote a lengthy tribute statement for him on Sunday, July 15, saying, “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 remembered her brother as a “joy of a human, and Prince of a Man.”
Jalene spoke more about their relationship
“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,” she went on.
“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,” she added.
The actor celebrated his movie with family
With Lilo & Stitch having come out on May 23, Jalene said her brother celebrated his moment on the big screen around his family.
“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,” she shared.
She recalled how happy the family was
Jalene recalled how excited her brother and the family were as they saw fans dressed in Lilo & Stitch themed clothes at the cinema.
“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,” Jalene shared.
Jalene will make sure to keep the memories alive
“Hug your loved ones today,” the sister wrote.
“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.”
