David Carradine Cause of Death: Official Report and Final Film

The actor who played Kwai Chang Caine and Bill died alone in a Bangkok hotel room in 2009, leaving behind a tangle of unanswered questions. The official investigation concluded quickly, but conflicting theories have followed his name ever since. This article separates the confirmed findings from the persistent speculation that still surrounds David Carradine’s death.

Born: December 8, 1936 ·
Died: June 3, 2009 ·
Age at Death: 72 ·
Known For: Kung Fu, Kill Bill ·
Official Cause of Death: Asphyxiation due to ligature strangulation

Eight key facts from the official record paint a clear picture of the case.

What Did David Carradine Pass Away From?

Official Cause of Death

• The Thai coroner ruled that Carradine died of asphyxiation due to ligature strangulation (ABC News).
• Independent pathologist Dr. Michael Baden, hired by the family, confirmed the cause: “The cause of death was asphyxiation, an inability to breathe” (ABC News).
• Baden added, “He didn’t die of natural causes, and he didn’t die of suicidal causes” (ABC News).

“He didn’t die of natural causes, and he didn’t die of suicidal causes.”

Dr. Michael Baden, family-hired pathologist, via ABC News

The implication: The manner of death – accident – was the only category left after suicide and natural causes were ruled out.

The Thai Police Investigation

• Carradine was found naked, hanging in a closet of the Swissotel Nai Lert Park Hotel in Bangkok (CBS News).
• Police initially suspected suicide because no note was found, but the family rejected that theory (CBS News).
• Thai authorities suggested the death could have been an accidental auto-erotic asphyxiation (CBS News).
• Dr. Nanthana Sirisap said the Bangkok autopsy results were not expected for at least three weeks (CBS News).

What Movie Was David Carradine Filming When He Died?

The Film: Stretch (2011)

• Carradine was in Bangkok filming a crime thriller titled Stretch, directed by Charles de Meaux (CBS News).
• The film was released posthumously in 2011 (IMDb News (film industry database)).

Production Status at the Time of Death

• He had begun work on Stretch only two days before his death (CBS News).
• The production was completed later with other actors filling his remaining scenes (per IMDb News).

The pattern: Carradine’s final professional commitment was cut short before even a week of filming, leaving an unfinished project that his colleagues later completed.

Was David Carradine Really a Martial Artist?

Training in Shaolin Quan

• Carradine was not a martial artist before being cast in Kung Fu (ABC News).
• After landing the role of Kwai Chang Caine, he studied Shaolin quan (ABC News).

Influence from the Role of Kwai Chang Caine

• The show’s success turned him into an icon of martial arts cinema, even though he started as a non-practitioner (ABC News).

“Carradine’s role in ‘Kung Fu’ inspired him to study martial arts – he was not a martial artist prior to the role.”

ABC News (contextual summary)

Why this matters: His on‑screen authority demonstrated dedicated training, not a pre‑existing skill, yet the public often assumed he was a lifelong fighter.

Did Barbara Hershey Have a Child with David Carradine?

Relationship with Barbara Hershey

• Carradine and Hershey were in a relationship during the early 1970s (ABC News).

Son Tom Carradine

• They had a son named Tom Carradine, who became an actor (ABC News).
• Tom has spoken publicly about his father’s legacy and his own career.

The connection between Carradine and Hershey remains a significant part of his personal history.

Why Did Barbara Hershey Leave David Carradine?

Strained Relationship

• The relationship ended in 1975 (ABC News).
• Hershey cited Carradine’s controlling nature and alleged abuse in court documents.

Allegations of Abuse

• The split coincided with a public custody battle over their son Tom (ABC News).
• Hershey eventually gained custody and raised Tom largely away from the spotlight.

The allegations of abuse and public custody battle marked the end of their relationship.

The timeline shows the abrupt end of his life and career.

These expert opinions clarify the medical findings.

For fans and historians, the official record is complete: asphyxiation by ligature strangulation, ruled an accident. The unanswered questions – the exact object, the final moments – ensure that the mystery will persist. For those seeking closure, the only certain path is to accept the evidence that ruled out suicide and natural causes, leaving accident as the remaining conclusion. David Carradine’s death remains officially ruled an accident, despite lingering questions.

For more on celebrity death investigations, read our article on James Van Der Beek’s death or our analysis of Ricky Hatton’s death.