Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
Officials in Los Angeles have released the cause of death for actor Robert Carradine following his death earlier this year.
Carradine died on February 23, 2026, at the age of 71 after spending five weeks in intensive care.
In a statement given to Deadline at the time, his brother Keith Carradine said the actor had been dealing with a health issue that ultimately proved fatal.
“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 told the outlet. “He was profoundly gifted, and we will miss him every day.”
Over the course of a career spanning more than five decades, Carradine became widely recognised for playing Lewis Skolnick in the Revenge of the Nerds films and Sam McGuire in Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire. He also appeared in titles including The Long Riders, Coming Home, Django Unchained and The Twilight Zone.
Born in Hollywood on March 24, 1954, Carradine came from one of America’s best-known acting families. He was the son of actor John Carradine and the younger brother of Keith and David Carradine.
Months after his passing, the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner has now published its findings.
According to the report, Carradine died in hospital from an anoxic brain injury caused by hanging. Records from the Medical Examiner’s office classified the death as suicide.
Before that ruling was made public, Carradine’s family had told Deadline that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder almost 20 years ago.
“In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon on light to everyone around him,” the family said.
“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.”
The family also said they hoped his story would help others speak more openly about mental illness.
“We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness.
“At this time we ask for the privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss. With gratitude for your understanding and compassion.”
The announcement of his death prompted tributes from former co-stars and relatives, many of whom remembered him as a warm and supportive presence on and off screen.
He is survived by his children Ever Carradine, Marika Reed Carradine, and Ian Alexander Carradine.
Ever Carradine later paid tribute to her father, reflecting on the role he played in her life.
“Whenever anyone asks me how I turned out so normal, I always tell them it’s because of my dad.
“I knew my dad loved me, I knew it deep in my bones, and I always knew he had my back.”
Hilary Duff, who starred alongside him in Lizzie McGuire, also remembered Carradine in a message shared on Instagram.
She wrote: “It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend.
“There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents. I’ll be forever grateful for that. I’m deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering.”
Carradine’s death also renewed discussion around mental health awareness and the importance of early support for people living with serious mental illness.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.