LOS ANGELES (E! Online): The body of David Carradine is expected to be shipped back to Los Angeles Monday to perform another autopsy, as the Thai authorities decided to let the FBI be involved in the investigation into the actor’s death — as only observers under Thai law. “If the FBI wants to get involved”, Maj. Gen. Amnuay Nimmano said to reporters at a press conference, “we will do our best to cooperate. We have nothing to hide.”
Carradine was found naked and hanging from a room closet in Thailand Thursday evening. Earlier indications from the Thai authorities led to suicide, but as the investigation continues, cause of death remains unknown as well as what led to the 72-year-old actor’s demise. “The previous conclusions on the cause of death”, Nimmano said, “were made by people who knew nothing about the case.” The autopsy from Thailand won’t be expected for three more weeks.
Family members such as Carradine’s brother Keith were shocked and angry over a grainy picture posted during the weekend in Thai Rath over the weekend — showing Carradine’s hands tied at the wrist, suspended over his head in his Bangkok hotel room, as his face and the rest of his body were blurred. The family plans to seek legal action against the tabloid publication and several newspapers wanting to publish the photo in the near future on the charge of “invasion of privacy and severe emotional distress”.
Carradine is best known for the series Kung Fu, which ran on ABC from 1972-75. Since then, he has appeared in over 100 films: including cult classic Death Race 2000 (1975), the well-praise Bound for Glory (1976), and Lone Wolf McQuade (1983). He also guest-starred on shows such as Airwolf and Alias, and starred in the syndicated Kung Fu: The Legend Continues from 1993-97 as the grandson of the original Caine. Carradine found new success thanks to Quentin Tarantino as the arch-villain in Kill Bill volumes one and two (2003, 2004), and was still in demand with several projects before his death. His appearance on FOX’s Mental will still air on Tuesday.
However, BayView Entertainment has announced plans of releasing David Carradine’s Shaolin Cardio Kick Boxing on September 8, followed by David Carradine Presents Shaolin Strength Training the next month.