More details about late Lizzie McGuire star Robert Carradine’s death have been revealed.
A new report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, obtained by Us Weekly on Thursday, June 11, revealed that Carradine experienced a mental health battle for two decades before his death. (TMZ was first to report the news.)
Along with being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the report stated that Carradine suffered from severe depression and anxiety. He was reportedly being treated with multiple medications.
Carradine had checked himself into a psychiatric hospital in Los Angeles prior to his death, per the medical examiner’s report, which revealed an employee found him unresponsive and in cardiac arrest one day later.
Attempts were made to resuscitate him, but he ultimately died weeks later.
The actor’s family confirmed his death by suicide at age 71 in a statement released on February 23.
“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” they shared in a statement to Deadline. “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.”
They added, “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.”
Robert is survived by his three children, Ever Carradine, Ian Carradine and Marcia Carradine.
Us Weekly previously confirmed Robert’s death was caused by anoxic brain injury, which occurs when the brain does not receive enough oxygen. A death certificate obtained by TMZ revealed that the actor was cremated and his ashes were scattered at sea..
Robert’s brother Keith Carradine highlighted his “valiant struggle” with bipolar disorder following his death.
“We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,” Keith, 76, told Deadline. “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 continued, “He was profoundly gifted, and we will miss him every day. We will take solace in how funny he could be, how wise and utterly accepting and tolerant he was. That’s who my baby brother was.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
