David Carradine's Death 'not Suicide', Says American Pathologist

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Film This article is more than 16 years oldDavid Carradine's death 'not suicide', says American pathologistThis article is more than 16 years oldAuthorities concede late actor may have died accidentally, as second autopsy reveals asphyxiation as cause of deathBen Child and agenciesFri 3 Jul 2009 13.23 BSTShare

David Carradine did not commit suicide, an American pathologist who conducted a second autopsy on the body of the Kill Bill star said today.

Dr Michael Baden, who carried out the autopsy at the request of Carradine's family after the actor's body was returned to the US from Thailand, said Carradine died from asphyxiation. He said he could not yet determine whether the death of the actor, who had been filming a movie in Bangkok, had been an accident, or a murder. He added that he was still waiting for further information from the Thai authorities which would allow him to make a final decision.

"When we've spoken to them, they've been very cooperative," he said, adding that his report was consistent with the findings of the Thai doctor who performed the first autopsy, who also said Carradine had died from asphyxiation.

The actor's body was found by a chambermaid at the luxury Swissotel Nai Lert Park hotel hanging in a closet on 4 June. Police say he was naked and had a cord around his neck. Speculation has suggested Carradine, 72, died during an autoerotic sex act, but members of his family believe foul play may have been involved.

The Thai police initially said they suspected the actor's death was suicide, but later conceded it may have been accidental. Baden said autoerotic asphyxiation remained a possible cause of death.

Carradine's family were upset by a graphic photo of the death scene which appeared in a Thai newspaper. Police said it appeared to be a leaked forensics image.

The key details which Baden is still waiting to receive from Bangkok include results from toxicology tests, an analysis of items found in Carradine's room, security surveillance footage and a log of room entries from the hotel's key card system.

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