Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell, known for his role in Lilo & Stitch, struggled with four severe health issues leading to his passing at the age of 46.
Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell, Known for His Role in Lilo & Stitch, Passes Away at 46
David Hekili Kenui Bell, the Hawaiian actor who rose to fame for his role in Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch, has sadly passed away at the age of 46. A service was held for Bell at the Annunciation Catholic Church in Waimea on August 9.
Bell made his big screen debut in the Lilo & Stitch film, which was released on May 23. His audition for the role included special effects, which he humorously mentioned in a social media post last month. His last social media post before his death was about his role in Lilo & Stitch, where he shared video of his audition.
Bell's autopsy report, issued by the Hawaiʻi Police Department, revealed four 'pathological diagnoses' at the time of his death: acute respiratory failure, sepsis, hypertensive/atherosclerotic heart disease, and morbid obesity. The report does not list Bell's cause or manner of death.
Bell's representative described him as an extraordinary talent and a deeply cherished member of their BLISS 'Ohana (family). His sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, paid a heartfelt tribute to him shortly after his death, describing him as a bright and shining star.
In addition to his role on Lilo & Stitch, Bell made appearances in Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five-O. According to his IMDb, he is set to appear in another film, The Wrecking Crew, which is currently in post-production.
Bell graduated from Punahou and Kalani schools. He 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. The autopsy report showed no indication that Bell had drugs or alcohol in his system at the time of his death.
Bell's last Instagram post was on May 30, where he shared an interview with the team behind Kona Brewing's campaign. The autopsy was performed on June 19, a week after his death, and the results weren't completed until July 10.
Jalene Kanani Bell shared a heartfelt statement about her brother's death on her Facebook account in June. The autopsy report also revealed that Bell had an intraosseous needle in his left leg, which is used to deliver fluids or medications rapidly when medical professionals aren't able to access veins or when there is a delay in tapping them.
Bell's Instagram post about Lilo & Stitch received the caption: "#LiloAndStitch #Stitch #Disney." These combined conditions suggest that Bell's death was due to severe cardiovascular and respiratory complications exacerbated by obesity and infection.
Our thoughts go out to Bell's family and friends during this difficult time.
[1] Autopsy Report of David Hekili Kenui Bell [2] Obituary of David Hekili Kenui Bell [3] In Memoriam: David Hekili Kenui Bell [4] David Hekili Kenui Bell: A Tribute
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