Death of Chad McQueen: Karate Kid star and son of Steve McQueen dies at the age of 63

Chad McQueen, known for his iconic role as tyrant Dutch in the Karate Kid Films, died on Wednesday in Palm Springs, California. He was 63 years old.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, Chad McQueen,” his wife Jeanie and children Chase and Madison said on social media.

“His remarkable journey as a loving father and his unwavering devotion to our mother were true examples of a life of love and devotion.

“His passion for racing not only highlighted his exceptional talent, but was also a way to honor his father's legacy, a testament to the values ​​instilled in him.

“He has passed on his passion, knowledge and dedication to us and we will continue not only his legacy but also that of our grandfather.

“As a family, we must navigate this difficult time and politely ask for privacy as we remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.”

McQueen's lawyer Arthur Barens confirmed to TMZ that he died of organ failure at his ranch in Palm Springs.

McQueen was the son of the “King of Cool” Steve McQueen, whose passion for acting and racing he shared and pursued.

He is best known for his role as Dutch in the film Karate Kid and its sequel from 1986 Karate Kid IIMcQueen's portrayal as a member of Cobra Kai is one of the defining moments in pop culture of the 1980s.

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He appeared in films such as Fever height 1985, New York Cop 1993, Jimmy Hollywood in 1994, Red line in 1995, Paper trail in 1998, Autumn: The price of silence in 2001 and won a Telly Award for his documentary Filming at high speed.

However, MCQueen's career as a racing driver was much more successful. He took part in events such as the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring and in 2010 founded McQueen Racing, which produces custom cars, motorcycles and accessories.

“I didn't enjoy acting anymore,” McQueen told the Associated Press in 2005. “So I decided to devote myself full-time to racing.”

He continued to race professionally, but suffered a near-fatal accident while practicing for the 2006 Rolex 24 race at Daytona International Speedway.

He survived a broken lower leg and several broken vertebrae and ribs, but the accident ended his career as a professional racing driver.

McQueen later produced the documentaries I am Steve McQueen And Steve McQueen: The Man and Le Mansabout his father.

He was executive producer of the film Yucatanin early development at Netflix by producers Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey, according to Deadline.

Yucatan is a project that McQueen and family friend Lance Sloan, a Warner Bros executive, had been trying to put together for over two decades after finding nearly 1,700 pages of notes and storyboards compiled by Steve McQueen in a trunk following his death in 1980.

The film followed a renegade salvage expert's search for a Mayan treasure on the Yucatan Peninsula, and the original storyboard featured Steve McQueen in the lead role.

Sean Kanan, who played Mike Barnes in Karate Kid III And Cobra Kaipaid tribute to McQueen on social media, saying: “He left an unforgettable mark on the Karate Kid universe. I wish his family strength and peace during this difficult time. RIP Chad.”