BANGKOK — Police are speculating that accidental suffocation, not suicide, might explain the death of American cult actor David Carradine, whose body was found in a hotel closet in the Thai capital with a rope tied to his neck, wrist and genitals.
Celebrity blogs and social-networking websites were abuzz with news of the death of Carradine, best known for the 1970s TV series “Kung Fu.”
The circumstances under which he died have led to speculation that the 72-year-old actor might have been engaged in a dangerous form of sex play known as autoerotic asphyxiation. The practice involves temporarily cutting off the supply of oxygen to the brain to heighten the effects of a sexual climax.
Carradine’s body was found Thursday morning in his luxury suite by a chambermaid at Bangkok’s Swissotel Nai Lert Park Hotel, said its general manager, Aurelio Giraudo.
Dr. Nanthana Sirisap, director of Chulalongkorn Hospital’s Autopsy Center, told reporters the autopsy was conducted because of the “unusual circumstances surrounding Carradine’s death.”
Police Lt. Teerapop Luanseng had said Thursday that Carradine’s body was found “naked, hanging in a closet,” and police at that time suspected suicide. However, no suicide note has been found.
Carradine’s friends and associates insisted he would not kill himself.
Carradine had flown to Thailand last week and began work on a film titled “Stretch” two days before his death, said Tiffany Smith, his manager. Carradine was in good spirits when he left the U.S. for Thailand on May 29, Smith said by phone from Beverly Hills.
Carradine had only three more days of filming left in Bangkok, she said.
“David was apparently very happy about this new role and about filming again,” she said.
Hotel manager Giraudo described Carradine as “very much a person full of life” who chatted with the staff.
