Robert Carradine's cause of death has finally been revealed. The Escape From L.A. and Revenge Of The Nerds star recently passed away at the age of 71. According to documents from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, the beloved actor passed away due to "the effects of an anoxic brain injury caused by a suicide attempt while he was being treated at UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital."
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As such, his death has been deemed a suicide.
According to the medical examiner's records, Robert had struggled with mental health issues throughout stretches of his adult life. Those issues ranged from bipolar disorder to severe depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation.
"According to the investigative summary, Carradine voluntarily admitted himself to UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital on January 16, 2026, because he was experiencing suicidal thoughts," The Daily Mail reports. "The following day, hospital staff found him unresponsive in his room after what investigators described as an apparent hanging involving a leather belt."
Robert's death undoubtedly hit Hollywood hard. He was a veteran in the industry, having amassed 151 acting credits throughout his career. Unfortunately, his passing is proof that mental health must be taken seriously. The success someone enjoys doesn't exempt them from struggles.
Robert Carradine's Brother Recently Released a Statement Regarding His Death
When speaking with Deadspin in February, Robert's brother, Keith Carradine, issued a statement regarding Robert's long-standing battle with mental health issues such as bipolar disorder.
"It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away," the statement said. "In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon on light to everyone around him. We are bereft at the loss of this beautiful soul. (We) want to acknowledge Bobby's valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with Bipolar Disorder."
As the statement continued, Keith and the rest of Robert's family shared their hope that his death would help shine a light on the seriousness of bipolar disorder. Furthermore, they noted their desire to help remove the stigma surrounding mental health and 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. We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it," he said. "It is an illness that got the best of him. I want to celebrate him for his struggle with it, and celebrate his beautiful soul."
Robert will undoubtedly be missed, both by his family and his legion of fans. The family will undoubtedly welcome continued privacy at this time.
