Chad McQueen, known for his role in the first two “Karate Kid” films as Cobra Kai “Dutch” and as a professional race car driver, has died, according to a statement shared by his family on social media. He was 63.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father Chad McQueen,” his wife Jeanie and children Chase and Madison wrote in an Instagram post. “His remarkable journey as a loving father to us, along with his unwavering devotion to our mother, was truly an example of a life filled with love and dedication.”

“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,” the statement continued, emphasizing the connection between Chad and Steve McQueen. “He passed on his passion, knowledge and dedication to us, and we will continue not only his legacy, but that of our grandfather as well.”

“As a family, we are going through this difficult time and kindly ask for privacy as we remember and celebrate his extraordinary life,” their statement concluded, before signing, “with sincere gratitude.”

McQueen followed in the footsteps of his father, racing driver and star of “The Magnificent Seven” Steve McQueen.

Although the younger McQueen appeared in other films outside the “Karate Kid” franchise, such as “New York Cop” (1993) and “Red Line” (1995), auto racing was his main passion.

The actor began racing at age 10 on the set of his father’s film “Le Mans.” Two years later, McQueen won his class at the World Mini Grand Prix. He competed professionally in events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring.

McQueen suffered a near-fatal crash in 2006 while practicing for the Rolex 24 event at Daytona International Speedway. The crash effectively ended his professional racing career, but he did not give up the sport altogether.

In 2010, he founded his own McQueen Racing, now run by his two children, with the mission of developing high-performance cars and motorcycles. With the company, he also produced two documentaries about his father’s life, “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans” and “I Am Steve McQueen.”

He is survived by his wife Jeanie and his three children Chase, Madison and Steven, a third-generation actor best known for his role on “The Vampire Diaries.”

The post Chad McQueen, Son of Steve McQueen and ‘Karate Kid’ Actor, Dies at 63 appeared first on TheWrap.