Chad McQueen, the son of the late racing and acting legend Steve McQueen, has died in California. He was 63.

The Karate child actor and race car driver died Wednesday, September 11, in Palm Springs. His family confirmed his death the following day in a statement posted on Chad and Steve’s separate Instagram accounts.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father Chad McQueen,” began the statement from his wife Jeanie and their two children.

Chad famously played the Dutch version in 1984 The Karate Kid and reprised the role two years later in The Karate Kid Part II. He also played in Death Ring, Fire Power And Red line before leaving the film industry to focus on sports car racing from the 1990s onwards. He made one final appearance in 2001’s Autumn: The Price of Silence.

In 1993, Chad married Jeanie Galbraith and eventually had Chase and Madison.

“His remarkable journey as a loving father to us, along with his unwavering devotion to our mother, truly exemplified a life filled with love and dedication,” they continued. “His passion for racing not only highlighted his exceptional talent, but also served as a way to honor his father’s legacy, a testament to the values ​​instilled in him.”

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

Chad had a close bond with his father, who died of cancer in 1980 at age 50.

“A lot of my values ​​are like my dad’s,” Chad told PEOPLE in 1996. “I try to be quiet, like him. Growing up, I didn’t understand his distrust of people. But now that I’m older, I do.”

In 2010, Chad founded McQueen Racing, a company that builds custom, high-performance cars. He survived just four years after surviving a near-fatal crash during practice for the 24 Hours of Daytona.

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On Thursday, his family concluded their statement by saying, “As a family, we must work through this difficult time and we kindly ask for your privacy as we remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.”

Following the announcement, tributes from friends appeared on social media, including Fast and loud star Richard Rawlings.

“I have just heard the terrible news that Chad McQueen has passed away,” Rowling wrote on Facebook. “McQueen’s legacy is unique and Chad kept that cool, fearless spirit alive. On behalf of the entire GMG team, our thoughts are with the McQueen family. Rest in peace, Chad.”