Chad McQueen, the 63-year-old son of Steve McQueen, passed away Friday, causing his supporters great pain. Chad, who gained notoriety for his striking resemblance to his father, experienced highs and lows, including multiple surgeries and a coma.
Following the revelation by his family the next day of Chad McQueen’s death on September 11, 2024, a void was left in the racing and entertainment worlds. Admirers often remarked on how much he looked and behaved like his well-known father, Steve McQueen, carrying on Steve’s legacy and love of fast cars and motorcycles.
However, Chad’s trajectory took a disastrous turn, necessitating numerous surgeries and an extended hospital stay. Despite these challenges, he remained close to his family and kept paying tribute to his father in his own special way. But what specifically was the origin of these health problems—and, ultimately, his untimely death?
He appeared to be a replica of his father.
Growing up, Chad was always under the watchful eye of his famous father, Steve McQueen, who made his marks in the films “Bullitt” and “The Great Escape.” The two were quite similar to each other. Fans often commented on Chad’s striking resemblance to their well-known father on social media.
“Like a son, like a father!” Fans would often remark, “You look just like your dad here,” anytime Chad posted an image to social media. With comments like “He’s a copy of the legendary Steve McQueen” and “Looked like a copy of his dad,” fans have continued to express their sorrow over his demise.
Chad’s father and he had many characteristics in common outside his physical appearance, such his calm demeanor and his passions. In a 1996 interview, Chad said he was impressed by his father’s moral standards.
He remarked, “A lot of my values are like my dad’s,” and that as he grew older, he came to appreciate his father’s cautious outlook on life. These were not just personal traits; these were shared experiences. Like Steve, Chad sought a career in both acting and racing.
He Was Born to Race.
Similar to his dad, Chad’s early love of racing persisted into adulthood. By the time he was twelve, he had already won the World Mini Grand Prix, which solidified his love of competition and speed.
Chad and Steve’s shared passion for racing was more than just a hobby; it bolstered their bond as family. On the sets of his productions, like the 1971 racing picture “Le Mans,” Chad would often reflect on his early years spent with his father.
During these years, Chad experienced professional racing for the first time. It was he who, while sitting on his father’s knee, memorably rode a Porsche 917 at speeds of up to 100 mph.
Racing was Chad’s life’s passion, both on and off screen. He took part in several motorsport events, including the Baja 1000 and Motocross. Chad continued to race even after his acting career took off.
However, this zeal would also lead him through one of the most trying periods of his life. Chad was nearly killed in a catastrophic collision at Daytona International Speedway while he was preparing for the 2006 Rolex 24.
It was this catastrophe that would ultimately put an end to his professional racing career. Still, he continued to be involved in the motorsports world through his company, McQueen Racing, and other ventures.
The Tragic Mishap
When his racing career came to an unfortunate end, Chad had no intention of slowing down. It changed his life forever in an instant. Chad realized later that he could have made a mistake or cut a tire.
He couldn’t remember the specifics, but the outcome was devastating. He lost control of the car and it smashed into the back wall, burying him under the debris. Chad had been hurt very badly.
He suffered multiple shattered bones in his left leg, neck, and ribs, along with a collapsed lung. The most unfortunate aspect was that following the crash, he was comatose for three and a half weeks. During his recovery, Chad underwent nine surgeries to repair the damage, but the incident put an end to his career as a professional racer.
Chad persisted in competing in motorsports despite the challenges the incident brought. He even joked that he had just received a historic racing license and was planning to return to racing.
Despite the difficulties the collision presented, Chad continued to compete in motorsports. He even made a jest about going back to racing, claiming to have just obtained a historic racing license.
This allowed him to participate in activities even though his injuries made it difficult for him to focus his right eye. Chad’s perseverance was evident in his desire to go on playing the sport he loved even when his health stopped him from competing professionally.
An Unused Chance with Cobra Kai
Despite the shortness of Chad’s racing career, he had a lasting impression on Hollywood, particularly as Dutch in the “The Karate Kid” films. Fans of the beloved series were thrilled to see Chad reprise his part when the popular spinoff “Cobra Kai” debuted.
Regretfully, Chad declined the opportunity to reprise his role that catapulted him back to fame, even in the face of fervent fan conversations. Hayden Schlossberg, the creator of “Cobra Kai,” reflected on their failed attempt to bring Chad back to the program.
“May you rest in peace, Cad McQueen. “We had great conversations with him, but we were unable to get him in ‘Cobra Kai,'” Schlossberg wrote on social media.
Even though Chad finally left the group, the “Karate Kid” universe was forever changed and fans never forgot how insane he portrayed the character Dutch.
Even though Chad did not reprise his lead role in “Cobra Kai,” his contributions to the first film are unforgettable, and his decision to decline a chance to do so only made fans the more nostalgic for the role he once held.
A devoted father and family man
Chad was well-known for his Hollywood appearances and had a passion for racing, but his family came first. He was devoted to his wife Jeanie Galbraith, whom he married in 1993, and a loving father to his two children, Chase and Madison.
Chad’s family sent a heartfelt statement expressing their sadness at his passing and celebrating the incredible man he was. “He genuinely exemplified a life full of love and dedication with his amazing journey as a loving father to us and his unwavering commitment to our mother,” they said.
Chad’s commitment to his family was also shown in the manner he instilled the McQueen legacy in his children. Following in Steve’s footsteps, his son Chase is an enthusiastic racer, just like his father Chad.
The second son of Chad’s previous relationship, Steven R. McQueen, is a well-known personality in Hollywood. He became well-known for his portrayal of Jeremy Gilbert on “The Vampire Diaries.”
Despite his hectic job schedule and personal difficulties, Chad remained close to his family. He ensured that the values and aspirations of the McQueen name would be upheld by the upcoming generation.
Final Hours and Cause of Death
Chad’s health had been declining for several years due to the effects of his prior accidents. His family members claim that he died of progressive organ failure caused by an accident he sustained a few years earlier.
Chad passed away on September 12, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones, including his life partner, children, and lifelong lawyer Arthur Barens. According to Barens, Chad’s death was caused by organ failure, which developed gradually as a result of his previous injuries.
Despite Chad’s tragic passing, those closest to him voiced their love and support for him. In addition to expressing their profound sadness, his family was proud of the legacy he left behind in their heartfelt eulogy.
An emotional statement was released by them stating, “His passion for racing served as a way to highlight his exceptional talent and honor his father’s legacy.” Friends and supporters honored Chad’s life with an abundance of tributes from the entertainment and motorsports worlds.
Actor Richard Rawlings of “Fast N’ Loud” paid tribute to him on social media, saying, “Chad kept that cool, fearless spirit alive.” There is a particular legacy of McQueen. An era ended with the passing of Chad McQueen.
