Autopsy Report Shows New Details on Death of ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Actor
More than two months after the unexpected death of David Hekili Kenui Bell, the Hawaii Police Department has released the actor’s autopsy report, revealing new medical details but still leaving the official cause and…
More than two months after the unexpected death of 🎬David Hekili Kenui Bell, the Hawaii Police Department has released the actor’s ⚕️Autopsy report, revealing new medical details but still leaving the official cause and manner of death undetermined.
Bell, known for his memorable role in Disney’s live-action 🎬Lilo & Stitch remake, died on June 12 at age 46 on Hawaii’s 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 “pathological diagnoses”: acute respiratory failure, sepsis, hypertensive/atherosclerotic heart disease, and morbid obesity.
Atherosclerosis, described by the Cleveland Clinic as a “buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls,” can severely block blood flow or even cause arteries to burst — increasing the risk of a blood clot.
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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 — typically used “when intravenous access is delayed or unfeasible,” according to the NIH — 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 Bell’s system above reportable limits. The report also confirmed that Bell “complained of difficulty breathing” before his death.
The case was classified as a “⚰️Coroner’s case” 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 ⚰️Coroner’s inquest was launched, it followed standard procedures and no foul play was suspected.
Bell’s 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. “I am learning like you through social media. This is heartbreaking & sad, if true,” Downie told PEOPLE. “He was one of my best talent & embodied the true meaning of aloha…a gentle giant.”
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 — 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.
Bell’s sister remembered him as a “joy of a human, and Prince of a Man.” In her post, she recalled how the family had recently celebrated the film’s May 23 release together. “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,” she wrote.
Fans dressed in 🎬Lilo & Stitch gear energized the family as they waited for popcorn. “I said we should get shave ice after the movie and reenact the but then realized the store was already closed,” Jalene added. “To celebrate him and try to ease our grief we went to get shave ice and my grandson’s emotion was on point.”
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 Bell’s health at the time of his death, the loss of the actor remains deeply felt across the islands and beyond — a somber reminder of a talent gone too soon.
