Ever Carradine Pays Tribute to Late Father Robert Carradine on Fathers Day
Robert Carradine, who passed away on February 23, 2026 at 71, had lived with bipolar disorder for almost twenty years. The family first announced his death in February, describing him as a “beautiful soul” who had “shone a light” for those around him. In a statement to Deadline, his children—Ever, Ian, and Marcia—asked for privacy while they grieved.
The Los Angeles Deputy Medical Examiner later determined that Carradine’s official cause of death was suicide. Documents obtained by Us Weekly note the cause as “sequelae of anoxic brain injury,” a condition that arises when the brain is deprived of oxygen. The report also reveals that Carradine had been admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Los Angeles before his death. An employee found him unresponsive and in cardiac arrest one day after admission; attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful, and he died weeks later.
A death certificate obtained by TMZ shows that Carradine was cremated and that his ashes were scattered at sea. The certificate confirms the medical examiner’s findings and the family’s wishes for a sea burial.
Carradine’s career spanned television and film. He first appeared in Western series such as Bonanza and Kung Fu, and later gained recognition for his roles as Lewis Skolnick in Revenge of the Nerds and Sam McGuire in Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire. He was a member of the Carradine acting dynasty, which began with his grandfather, John Carradine.
In addition to his three children, Carradine had been married twice. He was married to Edie Mani from 1990 to 2018, with whom he had Ian and Marcia, and to Susan Snyder, with whom he had Ever.
Ever’s tribute on Father’s Day highlighted the personal loss she felt and the support she received from her husband, whom she thanked for being “the fun one.” Her posts also reflected on her father’s legacy, describing him as a devoted parent and a source of inspiration.
The family’s public statements have emphasized the importance of addressing mental‑illness stigma. In their February announcement, they said, “We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness.”
The news of Carradine’s death and the subsequent details of his passing have prompted discussions about mental health in the entertainment industry. While the medical examiner’s report clarified the cause of death as suicide with anoxic brain injury, earlier media outlets had suggested a suicide by hanging. The official documentation, however, does not confirm that method.
As of now, the Carradine family continues to honor his memory privately. No further public statements or releases have been announced regarding his legacy or any post‑humous projects. The tribute shared by Ever Carradine serves as a reminder of the personal impact of mental health struggles and the enduring bonds within families.
The story underscores the broader conversation about mental health awareness, the responsibilities of the entertainment community, and the personal grief that follows the loss of a public figure.