David Carradine's death not suicide

Jun 5, 2009, 9:00 GMT

02/22/2009 - David Carradine and wife Annie - Chuck added: "It\'s all under police investigation. We definitely don\'t believe it was a suicide. David was a great guy and a great client and a great friend." © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos

David Carradine's managers have denied he committed suicide.

The Oscar-nominated star - who played the role of Bill in Quentin Tarantino's hit 'Kill Bill' movies - was found dead in a Bangkok hotel room by a maid yesterday (04.06.09), and while it was initially thought he had killed himself those close to him are unconvinced there is another explanation.

Tiffany Smith, who managed David alongside Chuck Binder, said: "I can tell you 100 percent that he would have never committed suicide. He was too full of life.

"We are not saying it's an accidental death because we don't know. Right now we are just letting everyone know that it's under investigation and we'll see. I just know he didn't do this to himself."

Chuck added: "It's all under police investigation. We definitely don't believe it was a suicide. David was a great guy and a great client and a great friend."

The 72-year-old star's naked body was discovered hanging from a curtain rope inside a wardrobe, prompting speculation he may have been taking part in an auto-erotic sex game.

According to reports, one police officer who saw his body claims the rope was attached to Carradine's neck and genitals.

However, Thai police have so far refused to confirm or deny the allegation.

A spokesman said: "We've nothing to add at this stage, apart from the fact we do not believe anyone else was involved."

The family and friends of David - who is survived by his fifth wife, Annie Bierman - have also expressed disbelief at claims he killed himself.

His mother-in-law Betty Fraser said: "He was a very strong person and I don't think it's likely at all that it was a suicide. I think it was either an accident or a break-in because it was a large hotel and him being an American.

David's 'Kill Bill' co-star Vivica Fox said: "I would have never, ever thought that he would kill himself. I find that to be almost unbelievable that he hung himself. He did not seem like the person that would take his own life. It just seems so out of character."

However, in a 2004 interview David did admit to be consumed with dark thoughts about suicide.

He said: "Look, there was a period in my life when I had a single action Colt 45, loaded, in my desk drawer. And every night I'd take it out and think about blowing my head off, and then decide not to and go on with my life."