The cremated ashes of actress Daveigh Chase, known for her role in "The Ring," have been released to her mother, Cathy Chase, but her father, John Schwallier, intends to pursue legal measures to claim a portion of them.
Chase died on June 16 at the age of 35. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office cited acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and "chronic polysubstance abuse" as the cause of death.
Schwallier, speaking from his home in the Philippines, told the Daily Mail that he plans to fight for partial ownership of his daughter's ashes in Probate Court. He stated that while Cathy Chase can keep half, he believes his daughter rightfully belongs with him.
"I will fight her for Daveigh’s remains in Probate Court," Schwallier said. "I want her remains because she belongs with me."
He also commented on Cathy Chase's petition to be the administrator of the estate, which is valued at approximately $400,000. Schwallier expressed skepticism about his ex-wife receiving any of the assets, as Daveigh Chase had been emancipated at 16. "Daveigh was emancipated, so I don’t think she will get any money," he stated. "It’s not about the money. This was my daughter, and I didn’t get to see my daughter for years because of her [mother]."
Schwallier claimed that he was largely kept from his daughter during her childhood, despite paying child support. He stated his last significant conversation with her was when she was three and a half years old, and he was living in Las Vegas while Chase and her mother resided in Oregon.
Cathy Chase filed court documents indicating that Daveigh Chase was "unhoused" at the time of her death, with her most recent known address in Chatsworth, California. The filing also noted that Daveigh died without a spouse or children, and was survived by both parents. Cathy Chase provided the address of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles in the filing to reach Schwallier, as she believed he resided in the Philippines and owned property in Las Vegas. A hearing is scheduled for August 12 in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Cathy Chase previously shared with the Daily Mail her devastation upon learning of her daughter's death through online news alerts. She described the experience as an "exploding outwardly" feeling, leading her to scream in her backyard.
Daveigh Chase was also known for her roles in "Lilo & Stitch" and "Donnie Darko." She passed away on June 16.