The recent disclosure of medical history concerning David Hekili Kenui Bell, the actor famous for Lilo & Stitch, sheds light on his condition before his passing at age 46, as details from his autopsy report have become public.
According to a report released by the Hawaiʻi Police Department and obtained by People, it was reported that Bell had been diagnosed with four pathologies at the time of his death on June 12 on Hawaii’s Big Island.
A week following my demise on June 19th, an autopsy was carried out to examine the cause. However, it wasn’t until July 10 that the full results were gathered and analyzed.
Bell met an unfortunate end mere weeks following his premiere on the big screen in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch movie, that hit theaters on May 23.
The report indicates that Bell was diagnosed with severe lung failure (acute respiratory failure), severe infection (sepsis), advanced age-related heart issues (hypertensive/atherosclerotic heart disease), and extreme obesity (morbid obesity).
Acute Respiratory Failure is a condition that arises when the body’s oxygen levels drop rapidly to potentially harmful levels, or when excessive carbon dioxide accumulates in the bloodstream, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Sepsis refers to a serious health situation where the body’s defense mechanism, in an attempt to fight off an infection, instead attacks healthy body tissues and organs, potentially causing severe damage or even death.
Atherosclerosis refers to the process where the inner walls of arteries supplying oxygen-loaded blood become hard due to an accumulation of a substance made from fat and cholesterol, often referred to as plaque. This condition is commonly linked with high blood pressure, which is medically known as hypertension.
If arteries get clogged with excessive plaque buildup, it may restrict blood flow, increasing the risk of a heart attack or other severe health issues.
An elevated pressure within obstructed arteries may lead to the formation of blood clots or ruptures, potential consequences that might result in a stroke.
According to the toxicology test findings, there was no trace of drugs or alcohol found in Bell’s body at the moment he passed away.
Bell’s autopsy report indicates that efforts were made to resuscitate him by medical professionals.
According to the medical examiner’s report, Bell was found with defibrillator pads attached to his chest, an airway inserted into his mouth, a blood pressure cuff on his right arm, and an IV line inserted into his left arm.
* The medical examiner reported that Bell’s chest had defibrillator pads attached to it, he had an airway in his mouth, there was a blood pressure cuff on his right arm, and an IV line was inserted into his left arm.
* The medical report stated that Bell had defibrillator electrodes on his chest, a breathing tube in his mouth, a blood pressure monitor on his arm, and an intravenous catheter in his other arm.
* The examiner’s report indicated that Bell was still equipped with defibrillator pads on his chest, an airway in his mouth, a blood pressure cuff on his right arm, and an IV line in his left arm.
* According to the medical findings, Bell’s body was found with defibrillator pads attached to his chest, an airway in his mouth, a blood pressure cuff on his right arm, and an IV line in his left arm.
The actor had ‘complained of difficulty breathing’ shortly before dying.
The medical examiner found an intravenous needle within Bell’s left leg, which is utilized for quickly administering fluids or medications when healthcare providers are unable to access veins or if there’s a delay in accessing them, as per information from the NIH’s National Library of Medicine.
In Bell’s left leg, an intravenous needle was observed by the medical examiner, a tool used when healthcare professionals can’t reach veins or there’s a delay in tapping them, according to information from the NIH’s National Library of Medicine.
Another option:
In Bell’s left leg, an intravenous needle was detected by the medical examiner – a tool used when it’s difficult for healthcare professionals to access veins or there’s a delay in tapping them, according to information from the NIH’s National Library of Medicine.
The report indicated that Bell experienced a skin condition called stasis dermatitis, a type of eczema triggered by insufficient blood flow in the lower limbs, accompanied by edema – a swelling often found in the legs, feet, and ankles due to excess fluid accumulation in tissues.
Despite the details, the autopsy report does not list Bell’s cause of death or manner of death.
According to reports, an officer from the Hawaii Police Department has stated that their investigation into Bell’s demise has been concluded.
The police had earlier confirmed to the media that the investigation into Bell’s death, which was being handled by the coroner, was simply a routine process, with no indications of any suspicious circumstances involved.
On the Hawaiian Tribune-Herald from August 1st, it was announced that a heartfelt ceremony took place for my beloved idol at the Annunciation Catholic Church in the lovely town of Waimea, on the 9th of August.
According to DailyMail.com’s report, Bell’s representative affirmed his passing while describing him as an exceptionally gifted individual who was greatly loved and valued within the BLISS family.
David radiated warmth, kindness, and a captivating soul to everyone fortunate enough to meet him. His absence will be deeply felt by all whose lives he enriched. At this immensely challenging moment for his family, our thoughts and condolences are with them, and we respect their privacy as they mourn.
In closing, she expressed: ‘May you find peace in love, dearest David. The essence of your kindness and warmth will endure within our hearts forever. Until we cross paths once more.’
In a post on her Facebook account in June, Bell’s sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, announced the sad news about Bell with a heavy heart.
With deep sorrow, I want to share that my dear, kind-hearted, gifted, humorous, intelligent, and handsome brother David H. K. Bell is spending today with our Heavenly Father. For a while now, I’ve been searching for the right words to capture the incredible human and exceptional man he was. Fate has stepped in today through a pre-arranged Father’s Day newsletter that honors the men in our lives, prompting me to express my feelings.
At eighteen, during my high school graduation ceremony, I unexpectedly came face-to-face with my younger brother for the first time. This heartwarming encounter, which had been longed for over the years, was masterfully orchestrated by our moms. That invaluable moment has left a lasting impact on me throughout my life.
Even though I didn’t have a father growing up, David provided me with an abundance of unconditional love that I could only dream of asking for. I strongly believe that he extended the same warm, loving embrace to his entire family and circle of friends.
He consistently took pride in me, as well as his nieces and great-nephew, often initiating and organizing enjoyable gatherings. Our anticipation for attending the Tatihi and Lindsey family reunions was high, as we aimed to further strengthen our family bonds.
David found great joy in acting, voiceovers, and accompanying Brutus on his ambassadorial trips for Kona Brew. The world of film and entertainment ignited his passion, and it was heartwarming to see him appreciate the arts. His upbringing at Punahou and Kalani schools, combined with our father’s fluency in Hawaiian, enabled him to deliver lines with an unique blend of English understanding, indigenous wisdom, and pidgin dialect that made him a rare gem in the industry.
Upon your arrival at Kona Airport, you’ll be able to catch him broadcasting through the intercom system – a role he cherished as it allowed him to craft a fantastic and secure atmosphere for customers.
He continues to be a radiant and enduring luminary. Not long ago, he graced the silver screen with an unforgettable scene from Lilo & Stitch. He thoughtfully arranged the finest seats for our upcoming outing to the premiere in Kapolei, only two weeks past. That’s a quality we don’t have in common – forward-planning:) We chatted and were brimming with excitement as we joined fans adorned head to toe in Lilo & Stitch attire – t-shirts, onesies, hats, masks, and merchandise galore, as we patiently waited in line for popcorn. The shelves were emptying rapidly as people snapped up the merchandise.
Instead of getting shave ice after the movie and recreating the scene, I suggested it earlier, only to discover that the store was already shut down. However, to honor him and lessen our sorrow, we decided to buy some shave ice instead. My grandson’s feelings were beautifully expressed in this unexpected scenario.
To Aunt Gerry and the entire Kenui family, I want to express my deepest gratitude for nurturing a truly remarkable individual who has become the kindest and most caring person in my life. I am forever indebted to you for this blessing.
As a dedicated follower, I find solace in sharing the profound sorrow I feel, knowing that it’s echoed by our dear elder sibling, Kehau Bell, and my younger sister, Lara Leimana, who though not a Bell, cherished him deeply, as if he were her own kin.
I’ll be sharing some hilarious and touching posts he made on social media, both ones I’ve already seen and some new ones I didn’t catch earlier, since he really enjoyed interacting there.
Embrace your dear ones today…Our final moment together, following the movie, was spent comfortably chatting about life on my living room couch, sipping on seltzer, and delving into family history. I’m grateful for these instances, both big and small, and I’ll cherish our memories forever.
Here’s another option:
Spend some quality time with your loved ones today…Our last encounter after the movie was simply spending hours on my living room couch, sharing stories, enjoying a seltzer, and exploring our ancestry. These times, big or small, have been a blessing to me, and I’ll ensure our memories remain vivid.
Apart from his part in Lilo & Stitch, David has also been seen in Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five-0 as well.
As per his IMDb profile, he is slated to feature in another movie titled “The Wrecking Crew”, which is currently undergoing post-production.
David’s last Instagram post was on May 30.
As a devoted enthusiast, I was privileged to have a sneak peek into the minds of the creative geniuses responsible for the award-winning advertising campaign that earned Kona Brewing Company the prestigious Pele Award for Best in Show. What a thrilling journey it has been unraveling their strategies and techniques!
David, acting as the brand’s representative, excitedly declared in his post: ‘2025 Pele Awards Grand Prize Winner! #KonaBrewingHawaii #NMG #NellaMediaGroup.’
As a devoted fan, I’ve been eagerly following the updates about the movie on the social media platforms of the actor known for portraying ‘Big Hawaiian Dude’ in Lilo & Stitch.
Last month, he posted a video showcasing his failed attempt at consuming a fake snow cone, complete with comedic flair.
He titled his post, ‘My audition featured some unique visual enhancements.’ I think it was those elements that really stood out… There were also some miscellaneous elements… #LiloAndStitch #Stitch #Disney.
Read More
- Clash Royale Best Boss Bandit Champion decks
- RAVEN2 redeem codes and how to use them (October 2025)
- Kingdom Rush Battles Tower Tier List
- Clash Royale Furnace Evolution best decks guide
- Delta Force Best Settings and Sensitivity Guide
- Cookie Run: Kingdom Boss Rush Season 2-2 Guide and Tips
- Ninja Arashi 2 Shadow’s Return expands the hit ARPG sequel with more content, ahead of Ninja Arashi 3’s launch later this year
- Kingdom Rush Battles Hero Tier List
- BBC spy drama with James Norton dubbed “the story that shocked Britain” is now on Netflix
- Vampire’s Fall 2 redeem codes and how to use them (June 2025)
2025-08-20 04:19