‘Lilo and Stitch’ actor David Hekili Kenui dead at 46
David Hekili Kenui, who recently appeared in the Disney movie Lilo and Stitch, has died aged 46.
His sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, announced news of his death. On June 15th, she wrote on her Facebook account: “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.”
Jalene also described Kenui as a “joy of a human, and Prince of a Man”, before gratutiously adding, “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.”
She then stated that Kenui took the entire family to watch him star in the new Lilo and Stitch movie when it arrived in cinemas last month.
Hawaii police later spoke to People, and revealed the actor passed away at June 12th at 2:26pm local time. A police spokesperson told the publication: “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.”
At this time, no cause of death has been determined, with the spokesperson adding, “The investigation is ongoing at this time. No foul play is suspected.”
Additionally, Bell’s agent, Lashauna Downie, said in a statement to People: “I am learning like you through social media. This is heartbreaking and sad, if true. He was one of my best talent & embodied the true meaning of aloha…a gentle giant.”
Aside from his role in Lilo and Stitch, Kenui’s other appearances on screen include Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I., both of which are set in Hawaii. His IMDB also states he will appear in the upcoming movie, The Wrecking Crew, starring Jason Momoa.
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