The family of actor Robert Carradine has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against UCLA’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital, following his tragic death by suicide in February of this year. The suit, filed by Carradine’s children on August 7, claims that hospital staff neglected essential safety protocols during their father’s psychiatric treatment for suicidal ideation.
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Robert Carradine, known for his roles in “Revenge of the Nerds” and “Lizzie McGuire,” voluntarily admitted himself to the UCLA facility on January 16 to seek help for persistent suicidal thoughts. He had previously been discharged from the same institution just a week prior. According to the complaint, he entered the psychiatric unit feeling hopeful, expecting a secure environment; however, the family alleges that he was allowed to possess a belt—something explicitly prohibited for patients with active suicidal tendencies.
The lawsuit highlights a slew of alleged safety protocol breaches. UCLA policies dictate that patients monitored for suicidal ideation should not be allowed to keep items that could potentially be used for self-harm. Despite this, Carradine’s belongings upon admission allegedly included the very belt that could pose a risk. The family’s grievances extend to claims that hospital staff failed to regularly monitor him, as required by protocol. They assert that video evidence demonstrates a lack of observation in the crucial period leading up to Carradine’s unresponsive state.
Moreover, Carradine’s family argues that the hospital’s documentation inaccurately reflected his status and participation in group therapy. A clinical care partner purportedly explained to state investigators that discrepancies in the records stemmed from mistakes made while logging information on an iPad, leading to inaccurate entries regarding Carradine’s care.
In seeking justice, the family is pursuing general damages, as well as both special and economic damages due to what they describe as a disregard for Carradine’s life. They hope that bringing forth this lawsuit will not only address their loss but also serve to elevate awareness about mental health issues, dispelling the stigma often associated with such struggles.
After being hospitalised, Carradine was subsequently found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest the following day. Despite being admitted to intensive care, his health continued to deteriorate until his death on February 23, at the age of 71. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s report, which previously surfaced, ruled his death a suicide resulting from complications of an anoxic brain injury, compounded by a history of severe mental health challenges including bipolar disorder and anxiety.
Following Carradine’s passing, his family issued a heartfelt statement, reflecting on his legacy as a cherished father, grandfather, uncle, and brother. They characterised him as a “beacon of light” and recognised his ongoing battle with mental illness, hoping that sharing his struggles would inspire discussions around mental health and aid in reducing associated societal stigma.
Carradine’s illustrious career spanned over five decades, with his notable onscreen debut in the 1972 film “The Cowboys,” followed by prominent roles in Martin Scorsese’s “Mean Streets” and the critically acclaimed drama “Coming Home.” His portrayal of Lewis Skolnick in “Revenge of the Nerds” in 1984 solidified his status in popular culture, and he is also fondly remembered by a younger audience for his role as Sam McGuire in “Lizzie McGuire.”
The lawsuit and Carradine’s subsequent death serve as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding mental health treatment within psychiatric facilities. As the family seeks answers and accountability, they urge the public to consider the significant challenges faced by individuals dealing with mental health issues, advocating for greater understanding and support.
UCLA Health and the Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital have yet to comment on the allegations brought forth in the lawsuit. Meanwhile, the Carradine family remains committed to raising awareness about mental health, hoping that their journey will resonate with others affected by similar struggles.
For individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health crises, support is available. In the U.S. and Canada, resources such as the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be accessed by calling or texting 988, or reaching out to the Crisis Text Line by texting “STRENGTH” to 741-741.