David Carradine Found Dead

Oscar-nominated actor David Carradine, best known for his role as Kwai Chang Caine on the 1970s TV series Kung Fu, has died at age 72.

Carradine was found dead in the Thai capital, Bangkok, a spokesman for the U.S. Embassy said Thursday.

His personal manager, Chuck Binder, was quoted by People Magazine as saying that the death was "shocking and sad. He was full of life, always wanting to work ... a great person."

American actor Carradine, was in Bangkok to shoot his latest movie, Stretch, and stayed at a Suite Room 352 of the Park Nai Lert Hotel on Wireless Road since June 2.

The film crew were aware of his absence when they went to dine out at a restaurant on Sathorn Road on June 3.

Carradine did not show up at the dinner and the team could not reach him. They assumed that he took a rest because of his age.

It was a hotel's maid who opened his suite on Thursday at 10 am after her repeated calls at the door were unanswered. She found Carradine in a closet. He was described as being half naked.

Police said evidence at the scene showed that he hung himself.

"It looks like a suicide," said Pol Col Somprasong Yentuam, chief of Lumpini police. "He was a big man and it would have been difficult for someone to move him in there and kill him in there."

Police said he was dead for not less than 12 hours and found no sign of fighting, or intrusion or assaults.

Somprasong said security at the hotel was very good. American Embassy officials had also been to the scene, police sources said.

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