David Hekili Kenui Bell, who recently appeared as the beloved “shave ice guy” in Disney’s live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch, has sadly passed away. The news of his sudden death was confirmed by his sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, in a heartfelt tribute shared on Facebook on Sunday, June 15.“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 wrote, alongside photos of her brother.Bell recently celebrated his big-screen debut with his family during the premiere of Lilo & Stitch in Kapolei, Hawaii. Jalene recounted the joyful experience in her Facebook tribute, describing how David had thoughtfully purchased the best seats in the theatre for their family to attend the screening together just two weeks ago.“He was and will remain a bright and shining star,” she said. Read the detailed note below:“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. 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.I met my little brother at the age of 18, on my high school graduation day, it was the most amazing surprise which I had been asking for for years, that our mom’s made happen for us, and that gift has lasted a lifetime. 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. He was always so proud of me, his nieces and his grandnephew, constantly engaged and always coming up with fun activities to get-together. We looked forward to going to Tatihi and the Lindsey reunion together to create more family connections.David loved being an actor, doing voiceovers, spending time with Brutus traveling as an ambassador for Kona Brew. The film industry and entertainment was so exciting to him and I loved that he enjoyed the arts. He went to Punahou and Kalani while our dad spoke Hawaiian so his ability to deliver lines with English understanding, Indigenous knowledge and Pidgen to da Max…made him a diamond in the rough diamond. You can hear him over the PA system on arrival at Kona Airport where he loved working to create an awesome and safe customer experience. He was and will remain a bright and shining star. He recently made it onto the big screen with an iconic Lilo & Stich moment.”David’s official cause of death has not yet been confirmed.His representative, Lashauna Downie, told TMZ, “I am learning like you through social media. This is heartbreaking and sad. He was one of my best talents and embodied the true meaning of aloha … a gentle giant.”Condolences and tributes have poured in online as friends, fans, and loved ones on social media.
