He shared his aloha in Lilo & Stitch—then said goodbye to us with a haunting final post
- Replies 4
The entertainment world has been shaken by a sudden and deeply personal announcement shared online over the weekend.
What began as a heartfelt tribute from a loved one has now drawn the attention of fans and filmgoers across the globe.
It comes just weeks after a milestone moment in a rising actor’s career.
The entertainment industry has been left reeling after the sudden death of actor David Hekili Kenui Bell, who recently made his big screen debut in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch live-action remake.
His sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, confirmed the devastating news in a tribute shared via social media on Sunday. The cause of death had not been disclosed at the time of writing.
Bell’s passing occurred just weeks after his milestone appearance in Lilo & Stitch, which was released on 23 May.
Known for his charisma and deep connection to Hawaiian culture, Bell had begun gaining wider attention for his on-screen presence and off-screen warmth.
Jalene’s emotional statement began: ‘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 shared how the timing of a pre-scheduled Father’s Day newsletter had prompted her to finally post the tribute she had been struggling to write.
She revealed that she met David for the first time at her high school graduation at age 18, calling the experience ‘the most amazing surprise’—one she had long wished for.
‘That gift has lasted a lifetime,’ she wrote.
Jalene reflected on the special bond they shared and how David’s love helped fill the void left by their absent father.
She continued: ‘While I didn’t grow up with a Father, David gave me all the unconditional love I could possibly ask for and I believe that all his family and friends received the same from him.’
Bell was known for his love of acting, voiceover work and his role as a brand ambassador for Kona Brewing. Jalene fondly described his excitement for the arts and remembered their family outing to see Lilo & Stitch on opening night.
She wrote that David had even arranged the ‘best seats in the house’ for them, a level of planning she admitted she rarely matched.
‘We talked about and were so energized by the fans dressed in L&S gear head to toe…the merch galore flying off the shelf as we stood in line for pop-corn,’ she recalled. Although their post-film plans for shave ice were thwarted by closing hours, they eventually went to celebrate David’s milestone and honour his memory. Jalene said her grandson’s emotions that day were ‘on point’.
In a moving acknowledgement, she wrote: ‘To Aunty Gerry and the Kenui ‘Ohana you raised an amazing human who became the most loving and supportive man in my life and I am eternally grateful.’
Bell’s voice can still be heard at Kona Airport, where he worked to enhance the traveller experience. Jalene described him as a ‘bright and shining star’, someone who proudly carried his heritage, blending English, Indigenous knowledge and local Pidgin with ease.
His sister also mentioned the impact David had on their wider family, including their older sister Kehau Bell and younger sister Lara Leimana. According to her: ‘He was always so proud of me, his nieces and his grandnephew, constantly engaged and always coming up with fun activities to get-together.’
David’s final post on social media was dated 30 May. In it, he celebrated a win at the 2025 Pele Awards, recognising a campaign by Kona Brewing that had taken top honours. ‘2025 Pele Awards Overall Winner! #KonaBrewingHawaii #NMG #NellaMediaGroup,’ he wrote alongside a video interview.
Earlier that month, he had shared a humorous audition clip from Lilo & Stitch, joking: ‘My audition had some special effects. I’m pretty sure that’s what did it…Also some random stuff… #LiloAndStitch #Stitch #Disney.’
Source: Instagram/hekili97
His representative, Lashauna Downie, told TMZ that she had learned of his passing through social media. ‘This is heartbreaking & sad. He was one of my best talent & embodied the true meaning of aloha…a gentle giant,’ she said.
In addition to Lilo & Stitch, Bell had also appeared in Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five-O, and was set to feature in The Wrecking Crew, a film currently in post-production.
Jalene closed her tribute with a reflection on their final time together: ‘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.’
David Hekili Kenui Bell’s warmth, talent and aloha spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who crossed his path. As his family and fans mourn his sudden loss, his legacy will continue through his work, his voice, and the memories he helped create. May he rest peacefully.
In times like these, it’s natural to reflect on the legacies people leave behind—whether they’re rising stars or industry pioneers.
For senior Australians who’ve seen generations of changemakers, stories like these remind us just how far passion and purpose can carry a life.
If you found David Bell’s story moving, you may also appreciate the life and legacy behind one of beauty’s biggest names.
Read more: ‘He always thought big’: Beauty mogul behind Estée Lauder has died at 92—his legacy still inspires
What began as a heartfelt tribute from a loved one has now drawn the attention of fans and filmgoers across the globe.
It comes just weeks after a milestone moment in a rising actor’s career.
The entertainment industry has been left reeling after the sudden death of actor David Hekili Kenui Bell, who recently made his big screen debut in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch live-action remake.
His sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, confirmed the devastating news in a tribute shared via social media on Sunday. The cause of death had not been disclosed at the time of writing.
Bell’s passing occurred just weeks after his milestone appearance in Lilo & Stitch, which was released on 23 May.
Lilo & Stitch actor dies weeks after debut. Image source: Instagram/hekili97
Known for his charisma and deep connection to Hawaiian culture, Bell had begun gaining wider attention for his on-screen presence and off-screen warmth.
Jalene’s emotional statement began: ‘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 shared how the timing of a pre-scheduled Father’s Day newsletter had prompted her to finally post the tribute she had been struggling to write.
She revealed that she met David for the first time at her high school graduation at age 18, calling the experience ‘the most amazing surprise’—one she had long wished for.
‘That gift has lasted a lifetime,’ she wrote.
Jalene reflected on the special bond they shared and how David’s love helped fill the void left by their absent father.
She continued: ‘While I didn’t grow up with a Father, David gave me all the unconditional love I could possibly ask for and I believe that all his family and friends received the same from him.’
Bell was known for his love of acting, voiceover work and his role as a brand ambassador for Kona Brewing. Jalene fondly described his excitement for the arts and remembered their family outing to see Lilo & Stitch on opening night.
She wrote that David had even arranged the ‘best seats in the house’ for them, a level of planning she admitted she rarely matched.
‘We talked about and were so energized by the fans dressed in L&S gear head to toe…the merch galore flying off the shelf as we stood in line for pop-corn,’ she recalled. Although their post-film plans for shave ice were thwarted by closing hours, they eventually went to celebrate David’s milestone and honour his memory. Jalene said her grandson’s emotions that day were ‘on point’.
In a moving acknowledgement, she wrote: ‘To Aunty Gerry and the Kenui ‘Ohana you raised an amazing human who became the most loving and supportive man in my life and I am eternally grateful.’
Bell’s voice can still be heard at Kona Airport, where he worked to enhance the traveller experience. Jalene described him as a ‘bright and shining star’, someone who proudly carried his heritage, blending English, Indigenous knowledge and local Pidgin with ease.
His sister also mentioned the impact David had on their wider family, including their older sister Kehau Bell and younger sister Lara Leimana. According to her: ‘He was always so proud of me, his nieces and his grandnephew, constantly engaged and always coming up with fun activities to get-together.’
David’s final post on social media was dated 30 May. In it, he celebrated a win at the 2025 Pele Awards, recognising a campaign by Kona Brewing that had taken top honours. ‘2025 Pele Awards Overall Winner! #KonaBrewingHawaii #NMG #NellaMediaGroup,’ he wrote alongside a video interview.
Earlier that month, he had shared a humorous audition clip from Lilo & Stitch, joking: ‘My audition had some special effects. I’m pretty sure that’s what did it…Also some random stuff… #LiloAndStitch #Stitch #Disney.’
Source: Instagram/hekili97
His representative, Lashauna Downie, told TMZ that she had learned of his passing through social media. ‘This is heartbreaking & sad. He was one of my best talent & embodied the true meaning of aloha…a gentle giant,’ she said.
In addition to Lilo & Stitch, Bell had also appeared in Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five-O, and was set to feature in The Wrecking Crew, a film currently in post-production.
Jalene closed her tribute with a reflection on their final time together: ‘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.’
David Hekili Kenui Bell’s warmth, talent and aloha spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who crossed his path. As his family and fans mourn his sudden loss, his legacy will continue through his work, his voice, and the memories he helped create. May he rest peacefully.
In times like these, it’s natural to reflect on the legacies people leave behind—whether they’re rising stars or industry pioneers.
For senior Australians who’ve seen generations of changemakers, stories like these remind us just how far passion and purpose can carry a life.
If you found David Bell’s story moving, you may also appreciate the life and legacy behind one of beauty’s biggest names.
Read more: ‘He always thought big’: Beauty mogul behind Estée Lauder has died at 92—his legacy still inspires
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Condolences to his loved ones 
and my thoughts and preys go out to his family.
