No Carradine suicide, expert says

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-06-12 08:54

Thai police initially said they suspected Carradine's death was a suicide, but later conceded it could have been accidental. Their description — that the actor's body was found nude, with ropes around his neck, wrist and genitals — fueled speculation that he was killed while engaging in a dangerous sex practice called auto-erotic asphyxiation.

Thai authorities said on June 5 that it would take about three weeks for the results of their autopsy to be released.

Medical examiners in the United States and Canada generally classify auto-erotic asphyxiation deaths as accidental.

Keith Carradine last week asked the FBI to take a role, and Thai authorities later said they would allow FBI agents to observe their investigation, but not take an active role. FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said earlier this week that the agency would not make any more comments about its role in the Carradine investigation, but that agents stationed in Thailand have a good relationship with local authorities.

Agents typically only get involved in the deaths of U.S. citizens abroad when foul play is involved, she said.

Others who knew the 72-year-old actor have said they suspect foul play was involved. Keith and Robert Carradine on Thursday urged everyone to wait until the investigation has concluded.

"Once the investigation is fully completed and definitive conclusions have been reached, we will address the findings with the public," Robert Carradine said.

Both Keith and Robert Carradine shared the screen with their brother, a prolific TV and film actor. David Carradine rose to prominence for his role on the "Kung Fu" series in the 1970s and experienced a resurgence in popularity after his role in Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" movies earlier this decade.

The family's statement did not indicate the location of his body, or offer any information about funeral arrangements. They did not take questions Thursday after reading the statements.

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