Lizzie McGuire star Robert Carradine's body is released to family days after his tragic death at 71

The body of Robert Carradine has been released to the actor's family following his tragic death at 71 last week.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the latest development after previously stating that the actor died by suicide via hanging at an area hospital on February 23.

Carradine, who was part of the Carradine acting dynasty that includes his brother Keith and late half-brother David, was best known for his stints on the Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire and in the Revenge Of The Nerds film franchise. 

Carradine had battled bipolar disorder for two decades, but he ultimately took his own life, his family told Deadline in a statement upon his passing.

'In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of light to everyone around him,' Carradine's family said, adding that they wanted 'to acknowledge Bobby’s valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with Bipolar Disorder.

'We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness. 

'At this time we ask for the privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss. With gratitude for your understanding and compassion,' the statement concluded.

Keith told Deadline in a statement that his family wanted people to understand that Robert had been valiant and courageous in his struggle with bipolar disorder over the past two decades. 

'We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,' Keith said. 'It is an illness that got the best of him, and I want to celebrate him for his struggle with it, and celebrate his beautiful soul. 

The late actor 'was profoundly gifted, and we will miss him every day,' Keith said. 'We will take solace in how funny he could be, how wise and utterly accepting and tolerant he was. That’s who my baby brother was.'   

Robert's daughter Ever Carradine posted an emotional statement to Instagram in which she shared memories on their relationship, urging his fans to replicate his kindness in his memory.

'My dad died today,' said Ever, who Robert welcomed with Susan Snyder. 'He was all heart, and in a world so full of conflict and division, I think we can all take a page out of his book today, open our hearts and feel and share the love.

'I have a thousand stories and I’m being flooded with memories - so if you see me, please ask me about my dad, Bobby Carradine, who made me who I am.'

Ever ended the emotional statement in saying, 'Rest easy, dad. I love you the most.'  

Carradine's Lizzie McGuire costar Hilary Duff said on Instagram at the time of his death, 'This one hurts. It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend. 

'There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents. I’ll be forever grateful for that. I’m deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering.'

Duff wrapped up in saying, 'My heart aches for him, his family, and everyone who loved him.'

Robert was born March 24, 1954 in Los Angeles into the Carradine show business family.

His parents were actors John Carradine and Sonia Sorel, and his brothers were Disney Imagineer Christopher Carradine; and actors Keith Carradine and the late David Carradine, who died in June of 2009 at 72. 

David was found dead in a Bangkok hotel room on June 4, 2009, with investigators saying he died in an instance of asphyxiation. 

Medical examiner Dr. Michael Baden, who conducted a private autopsy on David, said that 'he didn't die of natural causes, and he didn't die of suicidal causes from the nature of the ligatures around the body, so that leaves some kind of accidental death.'

Carradine famously played the role of Sam McGuire on 65 episodes of the TV Series from 2001–2004, and in the 2003 motion picture based on the popular franchise with Duff in the titular role. 

One of his most prominent roles came as Lewis Skolnick in the 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds, which also starred Anthony Edwards, Curtis Armstrong and Timothy Busfield. 

He reprised the roles for sequels such as 1987's Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise and two TV films: 1992's Revenge of the Nerds III: The Next Generation and 1994's Revenge of the Nerds IV: Nerds in Love.   

Robert appeared alongside brothers David and Keith in 1980's The Long Riders, which also featured members of famed Hollywood acting families such as the Quaids, Guests and Keach family.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org.