More than two months after the unexpected death of David Hekili Kenui Bell, the Hawaii Police Department has released the actorâs Autopsy report, revealing new medical details but still leaving the official cause and manner of death undetermined.
Bell, known for his memorable role in Disneyâs live-action Lilo & Stitch remake, died on June 12 at age 46 on Hawaiiâs Big Island. His sudden passing shocked fans, friends, and even his own agent. Now, the official findings are shedding light on what may have contributed to his death.
According to the report, obtained exclusively by PEOPLE, the Autopsy listed four âpathological diagnosesâ: acute respiratory failure, sepsis, hypertensive/atherosclerotic heart disease, and morbid obesity.
Atherosclerosis, described by the Cleveland Clinic as a âbuildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls,â can severely block blood flow or even cause arteries to burst â increasing the risk of a blood clot.
The Autopsy also notes that medical personnel attempted resuscitation. Bell was found with defibrillator pads on his chest, an airway device in his mouth, a blood pressure cuff on his right upper arm, an IV in his left arm, and an intraosseous needle â typically used âwhen intravenous access is delayed or unfeasible,â according to the NIH â in his left lower leg.
The exam, performed on June 19 and completed on July 10, also revealed stasis dermatitis and edema, two conditions associated with poor circulation and fluid accumulation in the legs.
A toxicology report included in the Autopsy found no evidence of drugs or alcohol in Bellâs system above reportable limits. The report also confirmed that Bell âcomplained of difficulty breathingâ before his death.
The case was classified as a âCoronerâs caseâ and conducted at Kona Community Hospital in Kealakekua, Hawaii.
According to an officer with the Hawaii Police Department, the investigation has now been completed, and a spokesperson previously told PEOPLE that while a Coronerâs inquest was launched, it followed standard procedures and no foul play was suspected.
Bellâs death was first made public by his sister Jalene Kanani Bell, who shared a tribute on Facebook on June 15. His agent, Lashauna Downie, was stunned to learn the news through social media. âI am learning like you through social media. This is heartbreaking & sad, if true,â Downie told PEOPLE. âHe was one of my best talent & embodied the true meaning of alohaâŚa gentle giant.â
In addition to Lilo & Stitch, Bell appeared in popular Hawaii-based TV remakes like Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I., as well as national commercials for Kona Brewing.
His most recent role in Lilo & Stitch left a lasting impression. Bell played a beachgoer who hilariously drops his shaved ice when an alien portal opens â a nod to the original 2002 animated classic. The scene was featured prominently in trailers for the remake, which went on to gross over $1 billion at the global box office.
Bellâs sister remembered him as a âjoy of a human, and Prince of a Man.â In her post, she recalled how the family had recently celebrated the filmâs May 23 release together. âHe 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,â she wrote.
Fans dressed in Lilo & Stitch gear energized the family as they waited for popcorn. âI said we should get shave ice after the movie and reenact the but then realized the store was already closed,â Jalene added. âTo celebrate him and try to ease our grief we went to get shave ice and my grandsonâs emotion was on point.â
A memorial service was held for Bell on August 9 at Annunciation Catholic Church in Waimea, according to the Hawaii Tribune-Herald.
Though the report has provided some insight into Bellâs health at the time of his death, the loss of the actor remains deeply felt across the islands and beyond â a somber reminder of a talent gone too soon.
