Lilo & Stitch star tragically dies weeks after movie’s release

One of the stars of Disney’s hugely successful live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch has died just weeks after the film hit cinemas.

A Lilo and Stitch star has died just weeks after his big screen debut with heartbroken tributes pouring in.

Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell sadly passed away with his sister Jalene Kanani Bell, announcing the shocking news in a heartbreaking post on Facebook.

She said: “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.

“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 honouring the men in our lives.

Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell has sadly passed away. Picture: Disney

“He was and will remain a bright and shining star. He recently made it on to the big screen with an iconic Lilo & Stitch moment.”

Bell was credited in the Lilo & Stitch live-action adaptation as the character “Big Hawaiian Dude.”

His cause of death has not yet been revealed. But his sister revealed that Bell treated the family to a screening of the live-action show after its release just weeks ago.

The movie has been a huge success for Disney since its release. Picture: Disney.

She added: “He planned ahead and purchased the best seats in the house for us all to go together to opening night in Kapolei just two short weeks ago.

“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.

“Blessed by this and all the big and small moments.

“I will keep our memories alive.”

The actor had previously starred in numerous US TV series before bagging a role in the Disney film. Picture: Facebook.

The actor’s representative, Lashauna Downie, told TMZ that she only learned of Bell’s passing through social media.

She called Bell a “gentle giant” and called his passing both “heartbreaking” and “sad.”

“I am learning like you through social media,” Downie told the outlet. “This is heartbreaking & sad.

“He was one of my best talent & embodied the true meaning of aloha … a gentle giant.”

Proud Hawaiian Bell was known locally for his voice work over the P.A. system at Kona Airport.

Bell previously starred in TV shows such as Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five-0.

Tributes from fans have poured in on social media since Bell’s passing.

One wrote: “So sad! What a loss for his family, friends and fans.”

Another said: “RIP young star.”

This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished here with permission.

Originally published as Lilo & Stitch star tragically dies weeks after movie’s release