Steve McQueen‘s only son, Chad McQueen, best known for his role as Dutch in the Karate Kid franchise, passed away at his ranch in Palm Desert, California.
According to his longtime attorney, Arthur Barens, Chad died on Wednesday, September 13, 2024, due to organ failure, per TMZ.
At the time of his passing, the Firepower actor was surrounded by his children, life partner, and attorney.
Insiders have revealed that Chad’s health decline began after an injury a few years ago, which led to gradual organ failure, ultimately causing his death.
Chad McQueen, the only son of iconic actor Steve McQueen, was a father to Steven, Chase, and Madison McQueen. His son Steven took to Instagram to share the heartbreaking news, posting a touching tribute to his father.
He wrote: “His remarkable journey as a loving father to us, along with his unwavering commitment to our mother, truly exemplified a life filled with love and dedication.”
In his post, Steven highlighted how his father’s love for racing had a lasting impact on him. Chad’s passion for motorsports, which he inherited from his legendary father, Steve McQueen, shaped his own life. “He passed his passion, knowledge, and dedication down to us, and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfather’s as well [sic],” Steven penned.
As the McQueen family processes their grief, they have requested privacy during this difficult time. Steven’s Instagram post was met with an overwhelming outpouring of support.
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One user commented: “Chad will always be missed. Love you guys,” while another fan wrote: “Truly heartbroken. He was a kind and caring gentleman.”
A heartfelt message read: “I just don’t know what to say other than I’m so blessed to have met him, and my thoughts are with the entire McQueen family. Rest in peace, mate.”
Chad McQueen is fondly remembered for his portrayal of Dutch in 1984’s The Karate Kid and its sequel, The Karate Kid II (1986).
As the son of Steve McQueen, Chad grew up immersed in a world of film and motorsports. His father introduced him to motorcycles at a young age, and by nine, Chad was racing competitively.
He told Flick Feast in 2017: “I started racing at nine. It was a way for us to bond and spend weekends together, not throwing the ball around but racing motorcycles. I looked up to my dad and he’s someone I aspired to be as fast as.”
Chad’s deep love for racing led him to participate in numerous competitions, including the Baja 1000 and Motocross. At just 12 years old, he won the World Mini Grand Prix, an early sign of his talent and determination. However, his racing career took a tragic turn in 2006 during a practice session for a Grand Am GT Class race.
A devastating accident left Chad with severe injuries, including a shattered leg and multiple broken vertebrae. His recovery was long and grueling, but his perseverance never wavered. Chad dedicated himself to physical therapy, determined to regain his strength.
Despite the lasting effects of his accident, Chad didn’t allow himself to be deterred. He continued to stay active, hiking, swimming, and even contemplating a return to racing. As the founder of McQueen Racing, Chad’s influence on the motorsports world will endure through his legacy and his son, Steven, who continues to honor his father’s passion for racing.
Though Chad McQueen is no longer with us, his legacy in both Hollywood and the racing world remains strong, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and fans.
We are sending our thoughts and deepest sympathies to Chad McQueen and his family at this difficult time