Lilo & Stitch Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell Dead

David Hekili Kenui Bell, who appeared in the live-action remake of Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, has died. 

His sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, shared the news on her Facebook account on Sunday, June 15. The actor’s family also confirmed to TMZ, which was first to report on Monday, June 16.

“I am learning like you through social media. This is heartbreaking & sad, if true,” Bell’s agent, Lashauna Downie, tells PEOPLE in a statement. “He was one of my best talent & embodied the true meaning of aloha…a gentle giant.”

“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,” Jalene began in a lengthy statement on Sunday, June 15. 

A cause of death was not shared.

Jalene remembered her brother as a “joy of a human, and Prince of a Man.”

“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,” she continued. “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.”

Lilo & Stitch premiered on May 23. Jalene said David celebrated his big moment on the big screen with family. 

“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,” his sister said.

She recalled how seeing the fans dressed in Lilo & Stitch gear had them “so energized” as they stood in line for popcorn.

“I said we should get shave ice after the movie and reenact the [scene] but then realized the store was already closed. To celebrate him and try to ease our grief we went to get shave ice and my grandson’s emotion was on point,” Jalene wrote.

David recently shared the same photo to his Facebook account, reposting a message from Fandango that showed him sitting outside eating shave ice. 

“Whenever I’m having a bad day, I think of this guy,” the movie ticket company wrote.

“Thanks Fandango!  I think?” David replied on May 30.

In addition to acting, Jalene said he loved doing voiceovers.

“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,” Jalene wrote. “He was and will remain a bright and shining star.”

She added that he loved social media and that she would soon be sharing some of his posts.

“Hug your loved ones today,” Jalene wrote. “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. Blessed by this and all the big and small moments, I will keep our memories alive.”

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He also appeared in episodes of the Hawaii-set shows Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I., in addition to commercials for Kona Brewing.