Chad McQueen, Son of Steve McQueen, Passes Away at 63

American actor and race car driver Chad McQueen, famous for his roles in 'The Karate Kid' and racing career, has died at 63. He passed away in Palm Springs on September 11. Tributes from friends and family highlight his dedication to both acting and motorsport.

American actor and race car driver Chad McQueen has tragically passed away at the age of 63. McQueen died on September 11 in Palm Springs, California, as reported by People magazine.

The family's statement confirming his demise was shared on his and his late father's Instagram accounts. 'It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father Chad McQueen,' the statement read, attributed to People magazine.

Issued by his wife, Jeanie McQueen, and their two children, Chase and Madison, the statement highlighted his dual roles in the acting world and on the racetrack. Chad McQueen is best remembered for his role as Dutch in the 1984 film 'The Karate Kid' and its sequel, as well as his motorsport accomplishments.

In the 1990s, McQueen shifted his focus to race car driving, remarkably impacting the motorsport world. He last appeared on film in the 2001 drama 'Fall: The Price of Silence'. Chad married Jeanie Galbraith in 1993, and they had two children, Chase and Madison.

The family's statement lauded his dedication to his family and his relentless commitment to racing. 'His remarkable journey as a loving father to us and his unwavering commitment to our mother truly exemplified a life filled with love and dedication,' the family stated.

They also acknowledged his efforts to honor his father's legacy through racing. 'His passion for racing not only highlighted his exceptional talent but also served as a tribute to his father's legacy,' the statement added.

Chad McQueen, son of legendary actor Steve McQueen, maintained a strong bond with his father's memory. The legendary Steve McQueen passed away from cancer in 1980 at age 50. Chad often reflected on his father's significant influence on his life values.

In 2010, he founded McQueen Racing, specializing in custom high-performance cars. This venture was especially poignant after a near-fatal crash in 2006 during training for the 24 Hours of Daytona race, an event that almost ended his racing career.

The family has requested privacy as they mourn Chad's passing while celebrating his extraordinary life. Tributes from friends and colleagues have started to emerge, including a heartfelt message from Richard Rawlings, star of 'Fast N' Loud'. Rawlings expressed his condolences on Facebook, lauding Chad for keeping the McQueen legacy alive.

(With inputs from agencies.)