Jun 12, 2009, 9:30 GMT
David Carradine did not commit suicide.
A second autopsy carried out on the 'Kill Bill' star's body by a pathologist hired by his family suggested the actor - who was found hanging in a closet in his Thai hotel room last week - hadn't taken his own life, but the coroner was unable to establish the actual cause of death.
Dr. Michael Baden said: "The autopsy findings and the evidence thus far available demonstrate that Mr. Carradine's death was not the result of suicide.
"However, to reach a final determination as to the cause and the manner of death we must wait for further information from Thailand as to the scene findings and the completion of the crime laboratory and toxicology studies that are still being performed."
Thai police initially said the 72-year-old star had hung himself, but speculation increased it was an accidental death caused by an autoerotic act when it was revealed David was naked and had cords tied around his wrists, neck and genitals.
David's brother Bruce insisted he never thought the star would take his own life.
He said: "In a sad way, I'm glad to hear it confirmed that David didn't commit suicide. I never believed he took his own life. He just had too much to live for."
Yesterday (11.06.09), the 'Kung Fu' actor's other brothers, Keith and Robert Carradine, thanked the public for their support and appealed for privacy until investigations into David's death are complete.
Keith said: "His is a devastating loss for our family and we greatly appreciate the compassion pouring in from all over the world. We wish to express our gratitude to the government of Thailand and the Lumpini Police Station in Bangkok for their support and cooperation and to the US Department of State for their assistance."
Robert added: "Until we have all of the pending results of the investigation we respectfully ask that we be allowed to lay our beloved brother, husband and father, grandfather and great-grandfather to rest in peace and with dignity. Once the investigation is fully completed and definitive conclusions have been reached, we will address the findings with the public. Thank you for your understanding during this profoundly painful time."
No funeral arrangements have been announced but the service is rumoured to be taking place in California tomorrow (13.06.09).
Your Talkback on this Story