When David Hekili Kenui Bell, affectionately known by fans as the ‘shave-ice guy,’ a nod to his memorable cameo in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch, passed away on June 12, 2025, the world mourned a bright star gone too soon. At just 46 years old, his sudden demise was shocking and a blow deeply felt by loved ones, friends, and audiences at large.
Two months later, on August 19, 2025, the Hawaii Police Department published the autopsy report, which shed light on a multiplex and multifaceted health crisis that caused his death.
Revealing the Medical Truths About David Hekili
The autopsy, conducted at Kona Community Hospital between June 19 and July 10, revealed a series of serious conditions:
- Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF): The lungs could not exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide effectively.
- Sepsis: A severe, life-threatening infection response.
- Hypertensive/atherosclerotic heart disease: High blood pressure and plaque buildup restrict blood flow and increase clot risk.
- Morbid obesity, along with stasis dermatitis and oedema, indicating poor circulation and fluid buildup in his lower limbs.
Medical responders made extensive resuscitative efforts, including defibrillator pads, an airway tube, IV access, and an intraosseous needle (used when normal IV access is difficult) were all used in an attempt to save him, but tragically, he could not be revived.
Importantly, toxicology tests showed no presence of drugs or alcohol, and authorities stated unequivocally: no foul play was suspected, and the investigation has officially concluded.
Also Read: Morbid Obesity: Know How This Condition Can Increases The Risk Of Diseases
What Do These Diseases Mean: The Details
Acute Respiratory Failure
ARF, defined by acute onset of respiratory distress that requires mechanical ventilation, makes up 25–40% of ICU admissions, according to research conducted in 2015. This is variable depending on the population of each ICU and the definition of ARF used, which can be a certain degree of hypoxemia or at least a duration of intubation.
Sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the immune response overreacts to an infection, leading to organ failure. This overactive response will damage the body's own tissues and organs, possibly causing shock, multiple organ failure, and even death, especially if it's not recognised early and treated in a timely manner, states the World Health Organization.
Hypertensive/atherosclerotic Heart Disease
Hypertensive heart disease is a condition of heart disease precipitated by high blood pressure, which can bring about other complications like left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure, or arrhythmias. Atherosclerotic heart disease is the deposition of plaque within the coronary arteries, limiting the heart's blood supply and posing the risk of coronary artery disease, angina, heart attack, and other cardiovascular diseases. Both conditions are closely linked and may coexist, contributing to significant heart-related health issues.
Also Read: Blood Pressure In The Digital Age: How Screen Time And Sleep Disruptions Affect The Heart
Morbid Obesity
Morbid obesity is a prevalent genetic condition that emerges under particular circumstances, marked by an extreme buildup of body fat driven by underlying metabolic abnormalities rather than just dietary factors, according to an old study.
Bottomline
David Hekili Kenui Bell’s story may have been brief on screen, but the echoes of his spirit are lasting. He infused every character and every off-camera moment with authenticity, humor, and graciousness. Despite his life being cut short, the sparkle he left in hearts and on the silver screen guarantees that he won't ever be forgotten.