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David Hekili Kenui Bell, known for his gentle and warm presence in front of the camera, has passed away at the age of 57.
The actor, who recently appeared in the Lilo & Stitch live-action remake, went to rest on June 12 at 2:26 p.m., according to Hawaii police.
David’s sister confirmed his passing in an emotional message on Facebook, while his agent Lashauna Downie said she discovered the news about the “gentle giant” from social media.
Highlights
- Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell has unexpectedly passed away at the age of 57.
- His sister confirmed the passing of her “sweet, generous, talented, funny, brilliant and handsome little brother.”
- “He was and will remain a bright and shining star,” she added.
- The Hawaii police also confirmed his passing in a statement.
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Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell has unexpectedly passed away at the age of 57
Image credits: David H. K. Bell
Sister Jalene Kanani Bell took to Facebook to announce the passing of her “sweet, generous, talented, funny, brilliant and handsome little brother.”
“[He] will spend today in the company of our Heavenly Father,” she wrote. “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 honoring the men in our lives.”
“He was and will remain a bright and shining star,” she added.
Image credits: David H. K. Bell
Meanwhile, David’s agent Lashauna Downie told People that she found out about his passing through social media.
“I am learning like you through social media. This is heartbreaking & sad, if true,” she told the outlet. “He was one of my best talent & embodied the true meaning of aloha…a gentle giant.”
David’s sister confirmed the passing of her “sweet, generous, talented, funny, brilliant and handsome little brother” on social media
Image credits: Jalene Kanani Bell
The actor had a modest but memorable number of film credits over the years.
His Hawaiian roots and on-screen charm were seen in last month’s Lilo & Stitch. He also appeared in a 2014 episode of the Hawaii Five-O reboot and two episodes of the Magnum P.I. reboot in 2018 and 2019.
Image credits: Jalene Kanani Bell
David was popular locally for his voice-overs for Kona Airport’s P.A. system. He would also appear for other gigs across the islands.
The beloved actor was expected to appear in the upcoming The Wrecking Crew, sharing film credits with Jason Momoa and Morena Baccarin.
The actor was known for his gentle and warm presence in front of the camera
Image credits: Disney
David “loved being an actor, doing voiceovers, spending time with Brutus traveling as an ambassador for Kona Brew,” Jalene said in her lengthy post.
“The film industry and entertainment was so exciting to him and I loved that he enjoyed the arts,” she added.
Jalene revealed in her post that her brother passed away just “two short weeks” after taking the entire family for a screening of Lilo & Stitch.
Image credits: Disney
“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,” wrote the bereaved sister.
“That’s one trait we didn’t share, planning ahead:) We talked about and were so energized by the fans dressed in L&S gear head to toe, t-shirts, onezees, hats, mask, and the merch galore flying off the shelf as we stood in line for pop-corn,” she continued.
The bereaved sister spoke about her final moments with her brother before his passing
Image credits: Jalene Kanani Bell
The bereaved sister concluded the message by reflecting on their final moments 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,” she added. “Blessed by this and all the big and small moments, I will keep our memories alive.”
Image credits: Jalene Kanani Bell
Hawaii police confirmed that there was “no foul play” suspected in his passing.
“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,” a spokesperson told People.
“The investigation is ongoing at this time. No foul play is suspected,” they added.
“We just saw the movie yesterday. It was so cute. This is so sad,” one commented on social media
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