David H. K. Bell, who played the “Big Hawaiian Dude” in the live-action “Lilo & Stitch” movie, passed away on June 12, and his cause of death has officially been revealed. Bell died at the age of 46 on the Big Island of Hawaii.
PEOPLE obtained Bell’s autopsy, which lists four “pathological” diagnoses: acute respiratory failure, sepsis, hypertensive/atherosclerotic heart disease, and morbid obesity.
Specifically with atherosclerosis, it occurs when there is a “‘buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls,’ also known as plaque, which can ’cause arteries to narrow, blocking blood flow’ or burst, ‘leading to a blood clot,'” according to The Cleveland Clinic (via PEOPLE).
In the report, it also details how resuscitation attempts were made, with defibrillator pads found on Bell’s chest along with an airway in his mouth and a blood pressure cuff on his right arm. He also had an IV line and an intraosseous needle in his arm for fluids and medicine.
The autopsy further detailed how Bell suffered from stasis dermatitis, which is a skin condition due to poor circulation, as well as edema, which is swelling that happens due to fluid backup.
PEOPLE concluded that “the autopsy report states there was no evidence of drugs or alcohol in Bell’s system above reporting limits.” He also “complained of difficulty breathing” before he passed.
Hawaii Police Department Provides Update on Investigation into Bell’s Death
According to PEOPLE, an officer from the Hawaii Police Department said that an investigation into Bell’s death has officially been completed at this time.
An investigation was launched because they were “adhering to standard practice,” according to the outlet, but no foul play was suspected.
David Hekili Kenui Bell’s Sister Shares Heartbreaking News of His Death on Facebook.
On June 15, Bell’s sister Jalene Kanani Bell shared the tragic news on Facebook, posting a sweet tribute for the “Lilo & Stitch” actor.
“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. 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,” she posted. “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. 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,” Jalene continued. “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,” she added. “He was and will remain a bright and shining star. He recently made it on to the big screen with an iconic Lilo & Stich moment.
“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,” Jalene wrote. “I said we should get shave ice after the movie and reenact the sceen 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,” she continued. “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/”
“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,” Jalene concluded.
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Update on ‘Lilo and Stitch’ Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell’s Passing