The cause of death for beloved actor Robert Carradine has been officially confirmed as suicide, according to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office.
According to Page Six, Carradine, 71, was found to have died from sequelae of anoxic brain injury from hanging, a condition that results when the brain is deprived of oxygen. His body has since been released to his family.
The news comes following the family’s public statement on Feb. 23, revealing that the “Lizzie McGuire” star had battled bipolar disorder for nearly two decades.
“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother, Robert Carradine has passed away,” the family said. “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.”
Robert’s younger brother, actor Keith Carradine, emphasized that the family wanted to shed light on mental health challenges.
“It is an illness that got the best of him, and I want to celebrate him for his struggle with it, and celebrate his beautiful soul. He was profoundly gifted, and we will miss him every day,” Keith said.
Ever Carradine, Robert’s daughter with Susan Snyder, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram.
“My dad died today. My sweet, funny dad…who never missed an opportunity to drive me to the airport or tell me how much he loved my homemade salad dressing, is gone,” she wrote.
She recalled her father’s constant presence and support throughout her life, adding, “I have a thousand stories and I’m being flooded with memories — so if you see me, please ask me about my dad, Bobby Carradine, who made me who I am. Rest easy, dad. I love you the most.”
The “Lizzie McGuire” cast also paid tribute, with Hilary Duff reflecting on the warmth Carradine brought to the set. “I’ll be forever grateful for that. I’m deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering. My heart aches for him, his family and everyone who loved him,” she wrote.
Jake Thomas, who played her TV brother, called Carradine “funny, pragmatic, sometimes cranky, always a little eccentric,” and remembered him as “a talented actor, musician and director. But more than anything, he was family.”
Carradine’s passing has sparked an outpouring of remembrance for the actor’s work, his kindness, and the impact he had on both his family and fans alike.
