How Robert Carradine’s mental health battle led to near-fatal car crash with wife — years before suicide

Robert Carradine struggled with his mental health in the years leading up to his shocking death Monday.

The “Lizzie McGuire” actor had a 20-year battle with bipolar disorder that worsened following the 2009 death of his half-brother, David Carradine, who died from asphyxiation in a hotel room in Thailand.

In 2015, the “Revenge of the Nerds” star and his then-wife, Edith Mani, were injured in a car crash in Colorado.

According to the Colorado State Patrol, Robert crossed into the oncoming lane on Colorado Highway 145, crashing into a tractor-trailer.

Actor Robert Carradine looking forward, wearing a dark gray jacket over a patterned white and blue shirt with a dark blue bow tie, and clear framed glasses.
Robert Carradine was battling bipolar disorder when he died Monday. Getty Images

Robert Carradine attends The Handmaid's Tale premiere.
The “Lizzie McGuire” actor’s mental illness worsened following the 2009 death of his brother David Carradine. Hollywood To You / BACKGRID

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Though he and Mani were both hurt, their injuries were not life-threatening. The truck driver, Richard Clayton of Wisconsin, was also not injured.

Robert was issued a citation and later mailed in a $169.50 payment for the accident.

Two years later, Mani — who shared children Marika, 35, and Ian, 33, with Robert — stated in divorce court documents that Robert allegedly “confessed to me and our two children that he deliberately drove into the truck to kill us both” after confronting him.

At the time, Mani claimed Robert — who was a professional race car driver — purposely veered into a full-size semi-truck as a result of the depression he suffered since David died.

Actor Robert Carradine and his wife Edie pose for a photo at an event.
In 2015, Robert and his then-wife, Edith Mani, were injured in a car crash in Colorado. Getty Images

Robert Carradine, wife Edie, son Ian, and daughter Marica at the Monte Walsh Premiere.
Two years later, Mani stated in court documents that she confronted her husband about the crash and he “confessed to me and our two children that he deliberately drove into the truck to kill us both.” WireImage

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In the court docs, Mani requested possession of Robert’s 17 guns for fear that he might harm himself.

Shortly after the claims surfaced, the actor revealed he was experiencing an acute psychotic state, which caused him to drive into oncoming traffic at the time. However, per TMZ, his psychosis was an alleged consequence of Mani cutting off his medication and then imploring him to drive in that state.

Robert and Mani tied the knot in 1990. She filed for divorce in 2015.

The Disney Channel alum was also a dad to daughter Ever Carradine, 51, whom he shared with Susan Snyder.

Edie Carradine and Robert Carradine at the premiere of "Nothing But The Truth."
Robert and Mani tied the knot in 1990. She filed for divorce in 2015. WireImage

Robert Carradine at the "3 Killer Pigs" special screening.
Robert died by suicide Monday. He was 71. AdMedia / SplashNews.com

As Page Six previously reported, Robert died by suicide Monday after his two-decade battle with bipolar disorder. He was 71.

“In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon on light to everyone around him. We are bereft at the loss of this beautiful soul and want to acknowledge Bobby’s valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with Bipolar Disorder,” Robert’s family told Deadline in a statement.

“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.”

Several stars have paid tribute to the late star, including Hilary Duff, who played Robert’s onscreen daughter in “Lizzie McGuire” from 2001 to 2004.

Cast portrait of the animated television show Lizzie McGuire with Lizzie, Matt, Robert Carradine, and Hallie Todd.
“Lizzie McGuire” star Hilary Duff paid tribute to her late co-star on social media Monday. ©Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection

The cast of Lizzie McGuire (Hallie Todd, Robert Carradine, Jake Thomas, and Hilary Duff) posing together against a backdrop of colorful beanbags.
“This one hurts. It’s hard to face this reality about an old friend,” she wrote via Instagram Monday. é DISNEY

“This one hurts. It’s hard to face this reality about an old friend,” she wrote via Instagram Monday.

“There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents,” Duff added.

“I’ll be forever grateful for that. I’m deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering. My heart aches for him, his family and everyone who loved him.”

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.