A Lilo & Stitch star has tragically died.
The live-action remake of the Disney film was met with excitement from fans, yet devastatingly, less than a month after its release, one of its stars has passed away.
Heartbroken fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to the beloved star.
One user writes: “I just watched Lilo & Stitch, I loved his part, what tragic news. RIP.”
“Condolences to the family,” someone else’s pens. “My daughter and I watched this on opening night, and he made us laugh so hard.”
“I loved the live-action movie; it was good, and he did a great job. May God bless his family and give them strength,” a third person adds.
A fourth says: “Rest in paradise. ‘Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.’”
The family of 46-year-old David Hekili Kenui Bell confirmed his passing.
His sister, Jalene, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook: “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.”
Jalene also shared her brother’s love for being an ‘actor’ and his excitement for the ‘film and television industry.’
She continued: “He recently made it onto the big screen with an iconic Lilo & Stitch 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.”
Jalene also shared that her brother had enjoyed doing voice-overs.
“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.”
Bell became a viral hit in the Lilo & Stitch live-action film, in which he played the beloved Shave Ice Man, who drops his shave ice every time he’s on screen.
The 46-year-old also appeared in Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five-0. He will also be in the upcoming action comedy, The Wrecking Crew.
Bell’s agent told People: “I am learning like you through social media. This is heartbreaking and sad.
“He was one of my best talents and embodied the true meaning of aloha… a gentle giant.”
Hawaii police confirmed that Bell died on June 12 at 2:26 p.m.
An official spokesperson shared: “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.”
