What happened to Nani and Lilo's parents?

In Disney’s 2002 animated film “Lilo & Stitch,” it is made evident that Nani and Lilo’s parents' death was caused by a car crash. The question of what happened to remains a poignant part of the narrative. While the movie itself doesn’t go into much of the particulars surrounding their absence, the tragic incident took place before the events of the film and sets the stage for the film’s plot. Following their deaths, Nani, the older sister, takes on the responsibility of raising her younger sibling, Lilo.

“Lilo & Stitch” is an Oscar-nominated science-fiction animated movie that revolves around Lilo, a young Hawaiian girl, and her newly adopted pet, Stitch. Stitch is an extraterrestrial creature whom Lilo mistakes for a strange dog. The pair form an unlikely bond, while they are pursued by Stitch’s creator, Dr. Jumba, and the social worker, Cobra Bubbles. The film explores themes of family, grief, and love, with Lilo and Nani’s relationship being at the center of it all.

Who are Nani and Lilo?

Nani (voiced by Tia Carrere), despite being a teenager herself, steps into a parental role in order to look after Lilo (voiced by Daveigh Chase). She is frequently portrayed as overwhelmed and stressed in an effort to support themselves financially and emotionally. Her demanding schedule strains her relationship with her partner, David, and also makes it difficult for her to maintain any friendships.

Lilo, on the other hand, is an eccentric six-year-old girl with an imaginative mind. She loves Elvis Presley and has an affinity toward photography. Often, she feels out of place among her peers. Her almost immediate bond with Stitch is a reflection of her need for companionship, which her peers deny her.

Read More: Who Is Nani in Lilo and Stitch?

What happened to Nani and Lilo's parents?

Mr. and Mrs. Pelekai’s death is largely shrouded in mystery. It is established that they passed away in a fatal car crash, which took place on a rainy and stormy night. Lilo later associates the horrible weather from that night with the actions of Pudge, a small fish, who she believes can control the weather. She feeds the orange fish a peanut-butter sandwich every Thursday, so he keeps the harsh weather at bay. Lilo links the storm that brought the tragedy to her family with Pudge's imaginary ability.

After the accident, Nani is forced to grow up quickly and beyond her age as she is soon designated as Lilo’s legal guardian. The sisters are also assigned a social worker, Cobra Bubbles, who is to evaluate whether Nani is capable of adequately caring for Lilo. While the film rarely refers to the parents’ death directly, their absence constantly haunts in the background. Their presence is primarily conveyed through the family photographs. Lilo keeps one of them under her pillow, which she initially protects from Stitch. This ongoing absence shapes and creates space for the bond between Lilo and Nani to further strengthen.