New details have emerged about the final days of actor Robert Carradine, following the release of a medical examiner’s report that provides further insight into his mental health struggles and the events that preceded his passing. Passed away on February 23rd, after a long battle with the mental illness that his family had been dealing with for almost two decades, Carradine was best known for his role in the ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ film franchise.According to a report by TMZ, the medical examiner’s findings include information shared by his daughter with investigators, detailing the actor’s longstanding and deeply painful struggle with his mental health.
What the medical examiner’s report revealed about Robert Carradine’s final days
The report states that Carradine’s daughter told investigators he had struggled with mental illness for approximately 20 years and had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He also reportedly battled severe depression and anxiety throughout that period and was taking multiple medications at the time of his passing.According to the report, Carradine had checked himself into a Los Angeles psychiatric hospital where he had previously received treatment for ongoing suicidal ideation. While at the facility, an employee went to his room to inform him that his daughter was on the phone, and he was found unresponsive at that time.
The report states that Carradine was in cardiac arrest when found, and medical personnel attempted to resuscitate him before he was transferred to an intensive care unit. He passed away weeks later on February 23rd. No suicide note was found at the scene.His manner of passing was ruled a suicide, with the cause of passing recorded as sequelae of anoxic brain injury from hanging. It was previously reported that his manner of passing had been ruled as such, but the new medical examiner’s report provides the most detailed account yet of the circumstances surrounding his final weeks.
Robert Carradine’s life and legacy
Carradine came from one of Hollywood’s most celebrated acting families, with his father John Carradine and brothers David, Keith and Michael all having significant careers in film and television. Robert himself carved out a very successful career over a number of decades and one of his most popular series was ‘Revenge of the Nerds’, playing the role of the lovable Lewis Skolnick which made him a favourite amongst a generation of fans.
Carradine’s career spans an array of projects beyond ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ and catapulted him to a level of regard in the industry. People who knew him and had worked with him will remember him with great warmth and affection – he was the recipient of a lot of tributes and condolences upon his passing in February.The family has requested privacy while they are still mourning, and the medical examiner’s report has sparked a renewed discussion on the need for mental health support and awareness.
