It feels like just yesterday we were all watching the trailers for the live-action Lilo & Stitch and laughing at the "Big Hawaiian Dude" who loses his shave ice. That was David Hekili Kenui Bell. He was a mountain of a man with a smile that basically radiated the spirit of Hawaii. Then, out of nowhere, the news hit in June 2025. He was gone at just 46.
Honestly, it’s one of those stories that just guts you. One minute he’s celebrating his big-screen debut in Kapolei with his family, and the next, he’s passed away. When someone that young and seemingly full of life dies so suddenly, the internet does what it always does: it starts guessing. People wanted to know the David Hekili Kenui Bell cause of death almost immediately, mostly because the timing felt so tragic—literally weeks after his biggest career milestone.
What led to David Hekili Kenui Bell's passing?
For a while, there was a lot of silence. His sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, shared the news on Facebook on June 15, 2025, but she didn’t dive into the medical specifics right away. She just talked about what a "Prince of a Man" he was. It wasn't until later that the official word came down from the Hawaii Police Department and the coroner’s office.
According to the autopsy report eventually obtained by Newsweek and People, David Hekili Kenui Bell's cause of death was a combination of several serious health factors. It wasn't just one thing. The report listed four main "pathological diagnoses": acute respiratory failure, sepsis, hypertensive/atherosclerotic heart disease, and morbid obesity.
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It's a heavy list. Basically, his heart and lungs were under an incredible amount of strain. Sepsis is especially scary because it’s an extreme immune response to an infection that can shut down organs in a matter of hours. The report also mentioned things like edema and stasis dermatitis, which usually point to significant circulation issues. When you’re 6'5" and nearly 500 pounds, your body is working overtime every single second just to keep the gears turning.
Beyond the Lilo & Stitch shave ice scene
You've probably seen him in the Lilo & Stitch trailer. He's the guy who drops his shave ice after encountering the aliens at The Kahala Hotel & Resort. But David was way more than a "big dude" extra. He was a staple in the Hawaii film scene.
- He played Manu Salani in the Magnum P.I. reboot.
- He popped up in Hawaii Five-0.
- He was the face (and vibe) of those Kona Brewing Co. "One Life, Right?" commercials.
- You can even still hear his voice over the PA system at Kona International Airport welcoming travelers.
He was a "diamond in the rough," as his sister put it. He could switch between standard English, native Hawaiian, and Pidgin effortlessly. That's a specific kind of local talent that you can't just teach a mainland actor.
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The "Gentle Giant" of Kailua-Kona
Most people don't know that David didn't even grow up with his sister, Jalene. They met for the first time when she was 18, on her graduation day. It was a surprise set up by their moms. From that day on, he was her rock.
He wasn't just some actor chasing fame. He was the guy who bought the "best seats in the house" for his whole family to go see Lilo & Stitch on opening night. He was the guy who sat on the couch talking about genealogy and sipping seltzer. He lived a big life, not just because of his size, but because of how much space he held in people's hearts.
What we can learn from this tragedy
It’s easy to look at a celebrity death and just see a headline, but David's story is a reminder of how fast things can turn. Sepsis and heart disease don't care if you're about to become a household name.
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If there’s any takeaway here, it’s that "Aloha" isn't just a greeting; it’s how he lived. He worked at the airport because he loved making sure people had a safe, awesome experience. He traveled as a brand ambassador because he loved his community.
Moving forward, here is how you can honor his legacy or stay informed:
- Prioritize Cardiovascular Health: If you or a loved one struggle with mobility or circulation issues (like the edema mentioned in his report), regular check-ups for heart health and blood pressure are literal life-savers.
- Learn the Signs of Sepsis: It’s often called the "silent killer." Watch for extreme shivering, confusion, or a high heart rate during an infection.
- Support Local Hawaiian Talent: Watch David’s work in the Lilo & Stitch live-action remake and his episodes on Magnum P.I. to keep his memory alive.
- Practice Unconditional Aloha: As his agent Lashauna Downie said, David "embodied the true meaning of aloha." Being a "gentle giant" in your own circle is the best tribute possible.
The film industry lost a great character actor, but Hawaii lost a piece of its heart. David Hekili Kenui Bell's cause of death was a medical tragedy, but his life was a masterclass in kindness.