Earlier this week, on February 23, it was announced that actor Robert Carradine had passed away at the age of 71, with a statement from his family shared with HELLO! also revealing his private battle with bipolar disorder.
While reports at the time suggested that suicide was the primary cause of death, that was further confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner four days after his passing.
Cause of death
On February 27, the newly issued report officially listed “suicide” as the manner of death, specifically outlining that the actor had died in the hospital.
The primary cause is mentioned to be “sequelae of anoxic brain injury,” which refers to the secondary effect or some kind of trauma or injury, in this case being the rapid deterioration of oxygen to the brain causing brain cell death. “Hanging” is listed as the secondary cause, which is what likely led to the anoxic brain injury.
His family’s statement
“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” the Carradine family said in a statement to HELLO!.
“In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of light to everyone around him. We are bereft at the loss of this beautiful soul and want to acknowledge Bobby’s valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with bipolar disorder.”
It continued: “We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness. At this time we ask for privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss. With gratitude for your understanding and compassion.”
His brother Keith Carradine similarly also told Deadline of going public with his brother’s bipolar diagnosis: “We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it. I want to celebrate him for his struggle with it, and celebrate his beautiful soul.”
© Getty Images“He was profoundly gifted, and we will miss him every day. We will take solace in how funny he could be, how wise and utterly accepting and tolerant he was. That’s who my baby brother was.”
The Carradine legacy
Robert’s father John Carradine was known as one of the most prominent character actors of Hollywood’s Golden Age, known especially for his work in Cecil B. DeMille and John Ford projects.
© Everett/ShutterstockHis brother Keith, now 76, is a prominent actor as well, best known for his turn in films like Nashville (1975), which won him an Oscar for Best Original Song, and Pretty Baby (1978), as well as TV shows such as Dexter and Madam Secretary.
His half-brother David Carradine, who passed away in 2009, was known for his turns in the Kung Fu and Kill Bill franchises, plus Robert was also an uncle to The Good Wife star and Emmy winner Martha Plimpton. His daughter Ever Carradine is an actress as well, best known for The Handmaid’s Tale.
© Getty ImagesIf you are struggling or know someone who is, you can call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988, or visit 988lifeline.org
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