Robert Carradine’s cause of death has been confirmed following his tragic death.
Page Six can exclusively confirm that the popular actor’s death has been ruled a suicide, according to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office.
The cause of death was the sequelae of anoxic brain injury caused by hanging.
According to the American Brain Injury Association, anoxic injury occurs when oxygen from the brain is completely cut off. A sequela is a symptom that results from a previous illness, injury, or attack.
Carradine’s body was released to his family.
TMZ was first to report that Carradine had died at the hospital.
On February 23, the “Lizzie McGuire” star’s family announced that Robert passed away by suicide after a 20-year battle with bipolar disorder. He was 71 years old.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine,” the family said in a statement to the media.
“In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of light to those around him. We are saddened by the loss of this beautiful soul and would like to pay tribute to Bobby’s courageous fight in his nearly 20-year battle with bipolar disorder.”
“We hope his journey shines a light and encourages us to address the stigma attached to mental illness. At this time, we ask for privacy as we grieve this immeasurable loss. Thank you for your understanding and compassion,” the statement concludes.
In the same statement, Robert’s brother, actor Keith Carradine, also explained that the family shared the news because they wanted to raise awareness about mental health.
Robert was first diagnosed with the disease after his brother David died of suffocation in 2009.
“We want people to know that, there’s no shame in it,” Keith said. “This disease brought out the best in him. I want to celebrate his fight and honor his beautiful soul. He was deeply gifted and we will miss him every day. We take comfort in seeing how funny he was, how wise he was, and how completely accepting and forgiving he was. That was my little brother.”
Shortly after, Ever Carradine, whom Robert shared with Susan Snyder, posted a touching tribute on Instagram.
“Today, my father passed away. My sweet, funny father, only 20 years older than me, who never missed an opportunity to drive me to the airport or tell me how much he loved my homemade salad dressing, is gone,” began the Handmaid’s Tale alum alongside a series of throwback photos with Robert.
“If you know my dad, you know he’s the guy who’s always there. Invite me to dinner? He’s in. There’s a kids’ little league game in Simi Valley, so tell him the time. Text me your row number when you get your luggage because my flight is red-eye and I need to drive home from the airport,” the 51-year-old added.
Ever went on to talk about her childhood, praising her father for being “very normal.”
“I have a thousand stories and memories galore, so if you ever meet me, please ask me about my father, Bobby Carradine, who made me who I am. Rest assured, Dad. I love you the most,” she concluded.
The cast of “Lizzie McGuire” also took to social media to share memories of co-starring with Robert on the hit Disney Channel show from 2001 to 2004.
Robert played Sam McGuire, Hilary Duff’s on-screen father.
“This hurts. It’s hard to face this reality about an old friend,” the 38-year-old actress wrote on Instagram. “There’s so much warmth in the McGuire family and I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents,” she added of her TV mom, Harry Todd. “I will be forever grateful for that.
“I’m so sad to know that Bobby was suffering,” Duff concluded. “My heart aches for him, his family, and everyone who loved him.”
The singer’s TV brother Jake Thomas reflected on Robert’s death on his social media.
“My heart hurts today,” the 36-year-old began. “I was lucky enough to know Bobby for most of my life, and he was one of the coolest people I’ve ever met.”
Thomas described Robert as “funny, down-to-earth, sometimes grumpy, always a little quirky” and then went on to say that he was “a talented actor, musician and director. But most of all he was a family man.”
After reflecting on their “happy memories”, he concluded, “I looked up to him since I was a kid, and later I realized that he thought I was pretty decent too, so I guess I was doing the right thing in his eyes.”
Thomas ended his message by using Carradine’s nickname, “Jakers.”
If you or a loved one is affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call SAMHSA’s national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
