‘Lizzie McGuire’ Star Robert Carradine’s Cause of Death Revealed

A cause of death for Robert Carradine has been revealed less than one week after his death at age 71.

The Los Angeles Deputy Medical Examiner listed Carradine’s official manner of death as suicide, per documents obtained by Us Weekly on Friday, February 27. The cause was listed as sequelae of anoxic brain injury. (An anoxic brain injury is a type of acquired brain injury that occurs when cells in the brain do not receive enough oxygen, per the Brain Injury Association of America.)

Per the docs, Carradine died at the hospital. His case remains open.

The actor died on February 23 after a battle with bipolar disorder.

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“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” read a statement from Carradine’s loved ones. “In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon [of] light to everyone around him.”

Carradine’s family addressed his mental health struggles, adding, “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. 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’s brother Keith Carradine addressed their decision to shine a light on the Lizzie McGuire alum’s “valiant struggle” with bipolar disorder.

“We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,” he explained at the time. “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 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.”

Robert made his first TV appearances on Bonanza and Kung Fu. On the big screen, Robert’s first film role was in 1972’s The Cowboys. Robert is best known for his role as Lewis in the Revenge of the Nerds films and as dad Sam McGuire in Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire.

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After his death, Robert’s former costars took to social media to honor him with emotional tributes.

“This one hurts. It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend,” Hilary Duff shared via Instagram about her onscreen dad. “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. My heart aches for him, his family, and everyone who loved him. 💔.”

Jake Thomas, who played Robert’s son on Lizzie McGuire, wrote “my heart hurts” alongside photos of him and the late actor.

“I was fortunate to know Bobby for most of my life. And he was one of the coolest guys you could ever meet. Funny, pragmatic, sometimes cranky, always a little eccentric,” Thomas wrote via social media. “He was a talented actor, musician, and director. But more than anything, he was family. I have many fond memories being with him and his family throughout my life. Good moments, challenging moments, and lots of laughs [in] between.”

Thomas concluded: “I looked up to him growing up. And later in life, I came to realize he thought I was pretty neat, too. So I guess I was doing something right in his eyes. My heart is with Marika and Ian. Rest easy, Bobby. Love you.”

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