John Schwallier Reflects on Daughter Daveigh Chase’s 36th Birthday

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified acquired immunodeficiency syndrome as the primary cause of Chase’s death, with chronic polysubstance use serving as a significant contributing factor. Schwallier, who was estranged from his daughter for years, noted that his access to her life was limited to internet photographs, a consequence of his separation from her mother, Cathy Chase.

Schwallier recounted his final moments with the star on June 16, 2025, after receiving a call from her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez. Upon arriving at a Los Angeles hospital, he found his daughter in a severe state of physical decline. He described her as dangerously emaciated, struggling to recognize the woman before him. Despite the family’s history of conflict, both parents have spoken publicly about their desperate, separate efforts to locate and assist Chase during her time on the streets. While her mother attributes the downward spiral to a 2016 back injury and subsequent pain medication dependency, Schwallier hopes that the transparency surrounding the medical examiner’s findings will foster greater public awareness regarding HIV and AIDS.