Robert Carradine's manner of death has been confirmed by the Los Angeles Medical Examiner's Office following his passing on Monday, Feb. 23.
Carradine, known for his roles inLizzie McGuireand theRevenge of the Nerdsfranchise, died at the age of 71.
The late actor's death has been ruled a suicide, according toonline recordsfor the Los Angeles Medical Examiner's Office.
Deadlinewas first to report on Feb. 23 that Carradine took his own life.
His family shared a statement with PEOPLE confirming the news.
"It is with profound sadness that we must share thatour beloved father, grandfather, uncle, andbrotherRobert Carradine has passed away," the statement said.
"In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon on light to everyone around him," the statement continued.
"We are bereft at the loss of this beautiful soul and want to acknowledge Bobby's valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with bipolar disorder," the statement read. "We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness."
The statement ended with his family asking for privacy as they grieved the "unfathomable loss," adding, "With gratitude for your understanding and compassion."
Carradine got his onscreen start oppositeJohn WayneinThe Cowboysin 1972. His credits includeMean Streetsin 1973 and the Oscar-winning filmComing Homein 1978, starringJane FondaandJon Voight.
He was known for starring in the comedy franchiseRevenge of the Nerdsas one of the titular nerds, Lewis Skolnick, and playingHilary Duff's onscreen father, Sam, in theLizzie McGuireandThe Lizzie McGuire Movie,from 2001 to 2004.
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Duff reflected on Carradine's deathin anInstagrampost, referring to him as an "old friend."
"There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents," she wrote. "I'll be forever grateful for that. I'm deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering. My heart aches for him , his family, and everyone who loved him. 💔."
Jake Thomas, who played Carradine's son and Duff's brother Matt, wrote onInstagramthat his "heart hurts."
"I was fortunate to know Bobby for most of my life," said Thomas. "And he was one of the coolest guys you could ever meet. Funny, pragmatic, sometimes cranky, always a little eccentric. He was a talented actor, musician, and director. But more than anything, he was family."
"I have many fond memories being with him and his family throughout my life," he continued. "Good moments, challenging moments, and lots of laughs between. I looked up to him growing up. And later in life, I came to realize he thought I was pretty neat, too. So I guess I was doing something right in his eyes. My heart is with Marika and Ian. Rest easy, Bobby. Love you — 'Jaker.' "
Carradine is survived by his three children, Ever whom he shared with ex Susan Snyder, and Ian and Marika, whom he shared with ex-wife Edie Mani.
Ever shared a touching tributepraising the way he raised her as a single dad.
"Growing up in the 70s and 80s with a single dad in Laurel Canyon is not exactly the recipe for a grounded childhood, but somehow mine was," Ever wrote on Instagram. "Whenever anyone asks me how I turned out so normal, I always tell them it's because of my dad. I knew my dad loved me, I knew it deep in my bones, and I always knew he had my back."
The actress added that she and her dad "basically grew up together," noting, "Twenty years age difference really isn't that much, and while I never ever thought of him as a sibling, I did always think of him as my partner. We were in it together. I never wanted to let him down, and I wanted him to trust that I had his back the same way that he had mine."
She praised her father for being "a lover, not a fighter," asking anyone who sees her to "ask me about my dad, Bobby Carradine, who made me who I am."
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at988lifeline.org24/7.
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Robert Carradine's manner of death has been confirmed by the Los Angeles Medical Examiner's Office following his...
