Summary (tl;dr)

The family of actor Robert Carradine has filed a wrongful death, elder abuse, and neglect lawsuit against UCLA, alleging that failures in psychiatric care at their facility contributed to his death by suicide in February 2026.

Essential Background

Robert Carradine, known for his roles in "Revenge of the Nerds" and "Lizzie McGuire," voluntarily checked into UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital on January 16, 2026, due to suicidal thoughts and a history of mental illness, including bipolar disorder. He sought a secure, inpatient environment to ensure his safety and receive treatment.

The Full Story

Carradine's children and estate filed a lawsuit on August 7, 2026, in Los Angeles County Superior Court against the Regents of the University of California, alleging that the care he received at UCLA's psychiatric facility was negligent and contributed to his death on February 23, 2026. The lawsuit claims that despite being in a locked psychiatric unit, Carradine was permitted to enter and remain with a belt, a prohibited item for patients with suicidal ideation. Additionally, the family alleges that inappropriate furniture was left in his room, staff failed to conduct regular observations as required, and records were falsified. Approximately 19 hours after admission, Carradine attempted suicide and was found unresponsive, suffering an anoxic brain injury from which he never recovered.

Why It Matters

This lawsuit has gained attention as it challenges the standard of care and patient safety protocols within psychiatric facilities, particularly for vulnerable individuals seeking help for suicidal ideation. The family's allegations raise serious questions about accountability and the measures taken to prevent self-harm in controlled environments, potentially influencing future practices in mental health care.

Geographic Location

• UCLA Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Westwood, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (location of alleged negligence and Robert Carradine's death)
• Los Angeles County Superior Court, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (where the lawsuit was filed)