David Hekili Kenui Bell’s death is under investigation after the “Lilo & Stitch” actor passed away in Hawaii earlier this month at the age of 46.
Although the Disney actor’s sister announced the news of Bell’s death over the weekend, the Hawaii Police Department revealed that he passed away on June 12 at approximately 2:26 p.m. local time.
The department also confirmed that they have launched an investigation to determine how the “Hawaii Five-0” and “Magnum P.I.” actor died.
“We have launched a coroner’s inquest investigation (as is standard practice) and an autopsy is being scheduled to determine the exact cause of death,” a police spokesperson told People on Monday.
“The investigation is ongoing at this time,” they added. “No foul play is suspected.”
Jalene Kanani Bell, the live-action “Lilo & Stitch” star’s sister, was the first to announce that her brother had passed away in an emotional Facebook post shared on Sunday, June 15.
“It is with a heavy heart I share that my sweet, generous, talented, funny, brilliant and handsome little brother David H. K. Bell will spend today in the company of our Heavenly Father,” she wrote.
“I’ve been waiting for the words and mindset to properly express the joy of a human, and Prince of a Man he was, but fate pushed my hand this morning by a pre-scheduled Father’s Day newsletter honoring the men in our lives,” Jalene added.
Bell’s sudden passing came just weeks after he made his big-screen debut in Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Stitch” remake, which premiered on May 23. The media giant paid tribute to the actor in a touching Instagram post on Tuesday afternoon.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of David Hekili Kenui Bell,” Disney Studios wrote alongside a picture of Bell from the movie.
“Kind, caring, and a friend to all on set,” the company added, “he will forever be a member of the Disney and Lilo & Stitch family.”
Lashauna Downie, Bell’s rep, also paid tribute to the beloved actor following the surprising news of his heartbreaking death.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of David H. K. Bell — an extraordinary talent and a deeply cherished member of our BLISS ʻOhana (family),” she told The Post in a statement Tuesday.
“David brought light, kindness, and a beautiful spirit to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be profoundly missed by everyone whose lives he touched,” Downie continued. “We extend our deepest sympathies to his ʻohana during this incredibly difficult time and are honoring their privacy as they grieve.”
“Rest in love, dear David. Your legacy and aloha spirit will live on in the hearts of all of us,” she concluded. “A hui hou — until we meet again.”
Besides starring as “Big Hawaiian Dude” in Disney’s latest live-action remake, Bell also appeared as Manu Salani in two episodes of “Magnum P.I.” in 2018 and 2019, as well as the character Isaac in one episode of “Hawaii Five-0” in 2014.
“David loved being an actor, doing voiceovers,” his sister wrote in her tribute to Bell over the weekend. “The film industry and entertainment was so exciting to him and I loved that he enjoyed the arts.”
“Hug your loved ones today…our last time together after returning home from the movie was just sitting on my living room couch talking story about life, having a seltzer and doing a little genealogy,” Jalene added.
“Blessed by this and all the big and small moments,” she concluded. “I will keep our memories alive.”
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
