Lilo and Nani's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Pelekai, died in a car accident sometime before the events of the original "Lilo & Stitch" film. It is implied that rain made the road conditions treacherous, contributing to the crash

. This tragic event left Nani, who was a teenager at the time, to become Lilo's legal guardian and caretaker, taking on the responsibility of raising her younger sister amidst many challenges

. Their parents never appear directly in the film or series, except in a few family photographs. The loss of their parents is a significant part of the story's emotional background, shaping the relationship between Lilo and Nani and influencing the themes of family, grief, and resilience that run throughout the narrative

. In summary:

• Mr. and Mrs. Pelekai died in a car accident before the film's timeline.
• Rainy, hazardous road conditions are suggested as a cause.
• Nani, the older sister, becomes Lilo's guardian.
• Their parents' absence deeply affects both sisters and is key to the story's themes