Hollywood is mourning the loss of David H. K. Bell, who passed away at 46. He was known for his role in a fan-favorite scene from the 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch,
Hawai‘i police confirmed to PEOPLE that David H. K. Bell passed away on June 12 at 2:26 p.m.
A spokesperson said a coroner’s inquest has been launched, which is standard procedure, and an autopsy is being scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. The investigation is ongoing, but no foul play is suspected.
His family shared the sad news on social media.
“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 Jalene Kanani Bell posted to Facebook June 16. “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. 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.”
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.
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