David Carradine: No Suicide

A forensics expert hired by David Carradine’s family has concluded that the actor didn’t commit suicide, but that more information was going to be needed from Thai investigators before determining the actual cause of death.

Brothers of the “Kung Fu” star, Keith and Robert Carradine, read parts of a statement to reporters Thursday morning.

It was the first appearance they had made since they found their brother hanging in a Bangkok hotel room closet last week. They also thanked supporters and asked for privacy during this difficult time.

“This is a devastating loss for our family and we greatly appreciate the compassion pouring in from all over the world,” Keith Carradine said.

Also released was a report by Dr. Michael Baden of New York, who took the second autopsy, also agreeing that Carradine didn’t kill himself.

“However, to reach a final determination as to the cause and the manner of death we must wait for further information from Thailand as to the scene findings and the completion of the crime laboratory and toxicology studies that are still being performed,” Baden’s statement said.

Baden is waiting for more information from Thai authorities in a week or two and emphasized that the information was incomplete.

“The autopsy is only part of the analysis,” he said.

“Until we have all of the pending results of the investigation we respectfully ask ... that we be allowed to lay our beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather to rest in peace and with dignity,” Robert Carradine said.

Extensive speculations about the actor’s death had been thrown around since the chambermaid at the luxury Swissotel Nai Lert ParkHotel in Bangkok found his body hanging in the closet of his room on June 4. Thai newspapers published a graphic photo of the death scene that police said appears to have leaked forensic evidence.

At first the Thai police believed Carradine’s death was suicide, later saying it could have been unintentional. Reports have said the actor’s body was nude, with ropes around his neck, wrist and genitals, which created the idea that he was killed while engaging in a dangerous sex practice called auto-erotic asphyxiation. Authorities stated that it would take about three weeks for the results of the autopsy on June 5.

Medical examiners in the U.S. and Canada have seen it happen before, categorizing auto-erotic asphyxiation deaths as accidental.

Thai authorities allowed FBI agents to examine their investigation, but not take an active role. Laura Eimiller, FBI spokeswoman, said that the agency would not make any more comments about its responsibility in the Carradine investigation, but that agents stationed in Thailand have a good connection with local authorities.

When foul play is involved, agents get involved in the deaths of U.S. citizens. However, others who knew the 72-year-old said they suspect foul play was involved. Keith and Robert urged “Once the investigation is fully completed and definitive conclusions have been reached, we will address the findings with the public,” Robert Carradine said.

Both Keith and Robert Carradine shared the screen with their brother, a prolific TV and film actor. David Carradine rose to prominence for his role on the “Kung Fu” series in the 1970s and experienced a resurgence in popularity after his role in Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” movies earlier this decade.

The family’s statement did not indicate the location of his body, or offer any information about funeral arrangements. They did not take questions Thursday after reading the statements.

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