New insights into the tragic demise of David Hekili Kenui Bell continue to emerge. Exactly two months after the beloved actor from 'Lilo & Stitch' passed away at the age of 46, the Hawaii Police Department disclosed, via an autopsy report acquired by People on August 19, the circumstances surrounding his death. According to the report, David was battling four "pathological diagnoses" at the time of his passing: morbid obesity, acute respiratory failure, sepsis – a potentially fatal condition arising from the body's poor response to infection – and hypertensive/atherosclerotic heart disease, which occurs when fats, cholesterol, and other substances accumulate in the artery walls, potentially bursting or causing blood clots, as explained by The Cleveland Clinic.
While the report refrained from pinpointing the exact cause or manner of death, it did mention that David "complained of difficulty breathing" prior to his untimely demise. Furthermore, the Hawaii Police Department documented multiple medical interventions akin to resuscitation attempts when he passed. Additionally, a toxicology test incorporated within the report revealed no traces of drugs or alcohol exceeding legal limits in David's system at the time of his death. No foul play is suspected, and the Hawaii Police Department informed People on August 19 that the investigation into David's death has concluded.
David's family initially shared the heart-wrenching news of his passing on June 16, when his sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, posted a poignant tribute to the late actor on Facebook. "With a heavy heart, I announce that my dear, kind-hearted, talented, humorous, brilliant, and handsome little brother, David H. K. Bell, will now be in the company of our Heavenly Father," she penned. "I've been awaiting the right words and mindset to aptly express the joy he brought as a human and the prince of a man he was, but fate compelled me this morning through a pre-scheduled Father's Day newsletter honoring the men in our lives."
Jalene went on to reminisce about Bell's undying love for "being an actor," sharing a cherished memory of him purchasing tickets for his entire family to witness his big-screen debut in the live-action remake of 'Lilo & Stitch,' where he portrayed Big Hawaiian Dude. "He thoughtfully secured the best seats in the house for us to attend the opening night in Kapolei, just two weeks prior," she said of Bell, who also graced shows like 'Magnum P.I.' and 'Hawaii Five-0.' "We marveled at the enthusiasm of fans adorned in L&S attire from head to toe, t-shirts, onesies, hats, masks, and merchandise flying off the shelves as we waited in line for popcorn."
Recalling how they returned home afterward, sitting on her living room couch, "talking story about life, sipping seltzer, and indulging in a bit of genealogy," Jalene added, "Blessed by these and all the countless moments, I vow to keep our memories alive." In addition to Jalene, David is survived by his aunt Gerry and his sisters Kehau Bell and Lara Leimana.
