David Hekili Kenui Bell, who recently appeared in Disney's live-action "Lilo & Stitch" film, has died at the age of 46, leaving fans and family in shock.

According to Daily Mail, the actor passed away on June 12, less than a month after his first appearance on the big screen in the beloved Disney remake.

Bell's sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, announced the tragic news on her Facebook account on Sunday, describing her brother as "sweet, generous, talented, funny, brilliant, and handsome." Hawaii police confirmed his death, stating an autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause, though no foul play is suspected.

Family Mourns Talented Hawaiian Actor

The heartbreaking announcement came in the form of an emotional tribute from Bell's sister, who shared her deep connection with her brother. Jalene revealed she first met David when she was 18, on her high school graduation day, calling it "the most amazing surprise" she had been asking for years.

Bell's family told TMZ about the loss, while his representative Lashauna Downie expressed shock at the news, describing him as "one of my best talent" who "embodied the true meaning of aloha... a gentle giant." The sudden nature of his passing has left many in the entertainment industry stunned.

In her tribute, Jalene noted that while she didn't grow up with a father, "David gave me all the unconditional love I could possibly ask for," adding that his family and friends received the same level of care from him. She described him as being constantly engaged with family and always planning fun activities to bring everyone together.

Recent Disney Success Cut Short

Bell's death comes at what should have been a celebratory time in his career, having just made his big-screen debut in the live-action "Lilo & Stitch" film released on May 23, 2025. He played the character listed as "Big Hawaiian Dude" in the movie, fulfilling a dream of working in the film industry.

According to his sister's tribute, Bell had carefully planned for his family to attend the film's opening night, purchasing "the best seats in the house" for them all to experience his achievement together just two weeks before his passing. She described how excited they were by fans dressed in "Lilo & Stitch" merchandise at the premiere.

Bell's last Instagram post was dated May 30, where he celebrated a Pele Award for Best In Show for Advertising won by Kona Brewing's campaign. As an ambassador for the brand, he expressed pride in the achievement, writing, "2025 Pele Awards Overall Winner! #KonaBrewingHawaii #NMG #NellaMediaGroup."

Versatile Career Beyond Disney Role

Beyond his recent Disney success, Bell had established himself as a versatile talent in Hawaii's entertainment industry. He had previously made appearances in popular television shows, including "Magnum P.I." and "Hawaii Five-O," building a respectable resume in the island state's film and television productions.

According to his IMDb profile, Bell was set to appear in another upcoming film titled "The Wrecking Crew," which is currently in post-production. This suggests his career was gaining momentum at the time of his unexpected passing.

His sister noted that "David loved being an actor, doing voiceovers, spending time with Brutus traveling as an ambassador for Kona Brew." She added that his understanding of Hawaiian culture and language made him uniquely valuable, writing that "his ability to deliver lines with English understanding, Indigenous knowledge and Pidgen to da Max…made him a diamond in the rough."

Lessons to Learn from This Tragedy

1. Always Support Mental and Physical Wellness: Bell’s sudden death — just as he was achieving career milestones — reminds us that health issues can surface at any time, even when life seems to be on the rise. Regular check-ups and attention to mental wellness are essential tools in safeguarding overall well-being.

2. Celebrate People While They’re Here: Bell’s family cherished their last evening with him — an intimate reminder of how meaningful simple interactions can be. We should always make time for our loved ones and express appreciation long before tragedy strikes.

3. Respect the Journey, Not Just the Destination: Bell’s voice was familiar at Kona Airport, and he found joy in all his roles — big or small. No matter where we are in our journey, every contribution we make has value. That said, tragedy can strike even the most fulfilled, and we should never shame or blame victims of untimely deaths.

Why This Story Matters

David Bell’s passing is a profound loss, both for his family and the entertainment world. It serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of life, no matter how brightly one may shine. Stories like this help communities honor those lost and remind us of the importance of compassion, reflection, and human connection.

Conclusion: Remembering David Hekili Kenui Bell

David Hekili Kenui Bell died on June 12, 2025, at the age of 46, in Hawai‘i, shortly after making his film debut in Disney’s live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch. Known for his work as both an actor and community figure, Bell’s death sparked an active police investigation, though foul play was ruled out. Survived by his siblings and mourned by fans and colleagues, Bell’s legacy is woven into the island community and his recent on-screen roles. While the exact cause of death awaits confirmation, his sudden passing leaves many reflecting on the value of life and family and the impact of even brief moments in the spotlight.