UCLA Faces Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over Robert Carradine's Suicide Attempt

In a shocking turn of events, Robert Carradine's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), alleging that the university failed to provide adequate care for the beloved actor during his stay at their psychiatric unit. The lawsuit, obtained by TheWrap on Sunday, reveals that Carradine had entered the hospital's locked psychiatric facility with a sense of relief and hope, believing that inpatient treatment would help alleviate his anxiety. However, his dreams of a peaceful recovery were shattered as he found himself in a dangerous environment that contradicted his suicidal thoughts and history of suicide attempts. The crux of the matter lies in the fact that UCLA reportedly allowed Carradine to enter the psychiatric unit with a belt, an item that can be used for self-harm or hanging. The family argued that it is standard practice for belts to be removed from patients upon admission to a psychiatric hospital. Furthermore, the documents claim that UCLA not only failed to confiscate Carrdine's belt but also left an unusual rolling bedside table in his room, which was not a typical fixture in the locked psych unit. The lawsuit alleges that just 19 hours after admission, Carradine attempted suicide, suffering severe injuries and anoxic brain injury as a result. He spent the next five weeks in the intensive care unit but never regained consciousness, eventually passing away on February 23, 2026, at the age of 71. The filing states that UCLA's negligence was not due to a lack of knowledge or resources but rather a disregard for crucial safety measures designed to protect Carradine's life. The university is also accused of failing to check on Carradine every 15 minutes and leaving him alone for extended periods, contributing to his tragic demise. Carradine's family is seeking general, special, and economic damages, along with additional wrongful damages. Known for his roles in "Revenge of the Nerds" and Disney productions, Carradine leaves behind three children: Ever, Marika, and Ian. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Let's work together to create a safer and more supportive environment for those battling these challenges.