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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →David Hekili Kenui Bell, who played Big Hawaiian Dude in the 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch, died on June 12, 2025, at age 46. The age of 57 in the original title is inconsistent with the reporting and obituary reviewed here. Police had not announced a cause of death in the reports cited below.
What happened to David Hekili Kenui Bell?
The Hawaiʻi Police Department confirmed Bell’s June 12, 2025, death to ABC News. His sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, announced his death later in a Facebook post, as reported by The Independent. The date of his death and the later announcement are separate events.
The available reporting identifies Bell as 46. ABC News and The Independent give that age, while Legacy.com lists his years as 1979–2025 in its obituary. These sources do not support the age of 57.
Who did Bell play in Lilo & Stitch?
Bell played Big Hawaiian Dude in Disney’s 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch. The character appears in a comic moment when he drops his shave ice as an alien portal opens, according to The Independent’s report.
#1 Best Overall
- Lilo?s an independent little girl; Stitch is a mischievous creature from outer space, and when their worlds collide, it?s love ? and chaos! ? at first sight.
Disney publicly paid tribute to Bell, ABC News reported. His role in the film was his best-known connection to the production.
What is known about the cause of death?
ABC News reported that police had opened a coroner’s inquest and were arranging an autopsy to determine the cause. A police spokesperson said: “The investigation is ongoing at this time. No foul play is suspected.” The statement described an interim investigation status; it was not a final cause-of-death determination. The sources cited here do not establish a final cause.
Rank #2
What did his sister say?
Jalene Kanani Bell’s announcement, as quoted by The Independent from her Facebook post, 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.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What else was Bell known for?
Legacy’s obituary describes Bell as an actor and voiceover performer. It notes that his voice was used for public-address announcements at Kona International Airport and that he appeared in Hawaii Five-O and Magnum P.I. Those are selected career details, not a complete filmography.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Experience this funny and touching live-action reimagining of Disney?s animated classic. When a lonely girl named Lilo adopts Stitch, an alien ?puppy,? Stitch helps to mend Lilo?s broken family ? but not without wreaking hilarious havoc on the Hawaiian Islands.
Rank #4
![Lilo & Stitch: 2-Movie Collection [Blu-ray] (Live Action + Animated)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/514vIbM5ocL._SL160_.jpg)
- When a lonely girl named Lilo adopts Stitch, an alien “puppy,” Stitch helps to mend Lilo’s broken family — but not without wreaking hilarious havoc on the Hawaiian Islands.
Rank #3
![Lilo & Stitch (2025) [Blu-ray] (Live Action)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41axK1cBHGL._SL160_.jpg)
- Experience this funny and touching live-action reimagining of Disney’s animated classic. When a lonely girl named Lilo adopts Stitch, an alien “puppy,” Stitch helps to mend Lilo’s broken family — but not without wreaking hilarious havoc on the Hawaiian Islands.
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