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After the shocking death of Karate Kid's Chad McQueen, the Cobra Kai family has shared heartfelt tributes and sent condolences for their co-star, friend, and member of the dojo.

Cobra Kai actor William Zabka, who plays Johnny Lawrence, Dutch’s friend in the original Karate Kid films, posted a carousel of pictures on Instagram that the two had shared before McQueen’s passing. Below the photos, Zabka wrote:
"Sadly, we lost the legendary Chad McQueen yesterday. I have so many great memories of him when we were filming The Karate Kid. He was truly one of a kind. He marched to the beat of his own drum and always made me laugh. We would caravan to set every day—him in his silver Porsche, music blasting, and me in my badass Honda Accord. He was the baddest of the OG Cobras in the most fun and entertaining way. I’m so thankful I had the chance to reconnect with him over the past few years. It was like no time had gone by at all. My love and deepest sympathies to his wife and family. R.I.P Chadwick—my dear friend & Cobra Kai brother forever."

Actor Ron Thomas, who played Bobby Brown, one of the strongest students in the Cobra Kai Dojo and a member of Johnny's gang in The Karate Kid, also posted a message on his Instagram account. Thomas wrote:
"I’m incredibly saddened to hear about Chad’s passing. He embodied the spirit of Dutch. He was a true ‘Wild Child’ but with a heart of gold and so much fun to be around. We could always count on Chad to liven it up on those long shoot days if things got too boring. So many fond memories. So many stories. My deepest condolences to his entire family."

He added:
"I have no doubt you are striking hard in that Divine Dojo and racing fast through the streets of heaven. Be careful not to get pulled over by the police, or you know what happens—you’ll be late to the set! R.I.P My Cobra brother!"
Jon Hurwitz, the co-creator of the Cobra Kai series, shared an emotional farewell letter to Chad McQueen and also clarified some information regarding Dutch’s return to Cobra Kai. Hurwitz explained that after several attempts to bring McQueen back to the saga, the actor had finally agreed to reprise his role in the series' sixth and final season. Unfortunately, his return to the Miyagi-Verse could not happen. Jon wrote:
"Dutch may have been the purest Cobra of them all—merciless and dangerous through and through. That’s what we loved about him. And it was all because of Chad McQueen’s performance. When interviewing writers for Cobra Kai, if the candidate didn’t know who Dutch was, it was an uphill battle for them. If they brought him up unprompted, their chances of making the staff skyrocketed. Dutch was that important to us.
We always wanted Chad McQueen to appear on the show. And it almost happened a couple of times. Chad was torn. His racing injuries limited his capabilities, but he loved the idea of playing again with his pal, William Zabka. They had so much fun together while making The Karate Kid.
Before Season 6, word got to us that Chad had decided he was ready to join the party. Josh, Hayden, and I drove out to his ranch to meet him in person for the very first time. He and his family greeted us warmly. He was as unique and hilarious as we’d heard from Billy all these years. He took us on a tour of his property and showed us some of the most incredible film and racing memorabilia we’d ever seen in person. The love and respect he had for his father’s work was beautiful to witness.
We left Chad’s place excited and determined to make Dutch’s return special. And yes, we dropped his name in episode 602 partly to keep him fresh in the audience’s mind. We wrote a scene for him much later in the season. Dutch was still badass. The scene had pathos. It would have blown young Jon, Josh, and Hayden’s minds. Unfortunately, Chad was unable to join us when it came time to shoot. At the end of the day, it wasn’t meant to be. But Dutch will always be remembered as a badass in the Miyagi-Verse. He kicked ass. He hated ‘Danielle.’ And he loved riding bikes with his boys. The fandom mourns a Karate Kid legend today. I’m so grateful I had the honor of spending an afternoon with him. Sending much love and strength to his wonderful family. May Chad rest in peace."

Chad McQueen died at 63 on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at his home in Palm Springs, California, allegedly from organ failure. He had never fully recovered from an injury he suffered after a fall in 2020. He was the only son of his parents, actor Steve McQueen and Neile Toffel. He had one sister, Terry, who died of respiratory failure at the age of 38 in 1998.
McQueen is survived by his wife Jeanie and their three children: Chase, Madison, and Steven, a professional actor.

Chad will always be remembered. May his departed soul find eternal peace, and may his family and loved ones find solace.

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