Steve McQueen’s Son, Who Resembled His Dad, Died — Why Did He Have Multiple Surgeries & Was in a 3½-Week Coma?

Chad McQueen’s death on September 11, 2024, announced by his family the following day, has left a void in both the entertainment and racing worlds. Fans often remarked on how much he looked and acted like his famous father, Steve McQueen, carrying forward Steve’s legacy and the love of fast cars and motorcycles.

Chad’s journey, however, took a tragic turn, that led to a lengthy hospital stay and numerous surgeries. Despite these struggles, he remained close to his family and continued to honor his father’s memory in his own way. But what exactly led to these health challenges—and ultimately, his untimely death?

He ‘Looked like a Copy of His Dad’

Chad spent his entire life in the shadow of his legendary father, Steve McQueen, remembered for films like “Bullitt” and “The Great Escape.” The resemblance between the two was uncanny. Fans often commented on social media about how much Chad looked like his famous dad.

“Like father, like son!” and “You look just like your dad here,” were common remarks from followers when Chad posted photos online. Even as they mourn his death, fans still make comments such as, “Looked like a copy of his dad” and “He’s a copy of legendary Steve McQueen.”

Beyond his physical appearance, Chad had inherited many of his father’s qualities, from his calm demeanor to his passions. In a 1996 interview, Chad reflected on how much he admired his father’s values.

“A lot of my values are like my dad’s,” he said, adding that he grew to understand his father’s cautious approach to life as he got older. These similarities went beyond mere personality traits. Chad also followed in Steve’s footsteps in his career, as an actor and a racer.

Racing Was in His Blood

Much like his father, Chad had a deep-rooted passion for racing that began at a young age. By the time he was 12, he had already won the World Mini Grand Prix, solidifying his love for speed and competition.

This shared passion for racing wasn’t just a hobby but a family bond that brought Chad and Steve even closer. Chad often recalled moments from his childhood when he would join his father on the sets of his movies, particularly the 1971 racing film “Le Mans.”

It was during these times that Chad first got a taste of professional racing. He famously sat on his father’s lap while they reached speeds of up to 100 mph behind the wheel of a Porsche 917.

Racing became a central part of Chad’s life, both on and off the screen. He competed in several motorsport events, including the Baja 1000 and Motocross. Chad even continued racing after his acting career took off.

However, this passion would also lead to one of the most challenging moments of his life. In 2006, during a practice run for the Daytona International Speedway’s Rolex 24 event, Chad suffered a severe accident that nearly cost him his life.

The crash would ultimately end his professional racing career. However, his involvement in the motorsports world continued through his company, McQueen Racing, and other ventures.

The Devastating Accident

Chad’s racing career came to a tragic halt at a time when he had no intentions of slowing down. In a split second, his life changed forever. Chad later recounted that he might have cut a tire or made a mistake.

He couldn’t remember exactly—but the impact was devastating. He lost control of the car, hitting the back wall hard, which caused the vehicle to collapse around him. The injuries Chad sustained were severe.

He broke multiple bones, including his neck, left leg, and ribs, and suffered a collapsed lung. Worst of all, the crash left him in a coma for three and a half weeks. During his recovery, Chad underwent nine surgeries to repair the damage, but the accident marked the end of his professional racing career.

Despite the challenges the accident brought, Chad remained involved in motorsports. He even joked about returning to racing, saying he had recently acquired a historic racing license.

This allowed him to participate in events, though his right eye still had trouble focusing due to the injuries. Chad’s resilience was evident in his determination to stay connected to the sport he loved, even when his body no longer allowed him to compete professionally.

A Missed Opportunity with Cobra Kai

Though Chad’s racing career was cut short, his impact in Hollywood, particularly as Dutch in “The Karate Kid” franchise, remained a significant part of his legacy. Fans of the beloved series were eager to see Chad reprise his role when the popular spinoff “Cobra Kai” was launched.

Unfortunately, despite discussions and fan anticipation, Chad declined the opportunity to return to the role that made him famous. Hayden Schlossberg, one of the creators of “Cobra Kai,” reflected on their attempt to bring Chad back into the series.

“RIP Chad McQueen. We tried to get him in ‘Cobra Kai’ and unfortunately couldn’t make that work, but we had fun conversations with him,” Schlossberg shared on social media.

While Chad ultimately didn’t rejoin the cast, fans continued to remember his wild character Dutch, and his portrayal left a lasting impression on the “Karate Kid” universe.

Despite not returning to the spotlight through “Cobra Kai,” Chad’s contributions to the original films remain iconic, and his refusal to return only fueled fans’ nostalgia for the role he once embodied.

A Family Man and Loving Father

While Chad was known for his Hollywood roles and passion for racing, his family meant the world to him. He was a devoted husband to Jeanie Galbraith, whom he married in 1993, and a loving father to their two children, Chase and Madison.

The family announced Chad’s passing with a heartfelt statement, expressing their grief while celebrating the incredible man he was. “His remarkable journey as a loving father to us, along with his unwavering commitment to our mother, truly exemplified a life filled with love and dedication,” they shared.

Chad’s commitment to his family was also reflected in the way he passed down the McQueen legacy to his children. His son Chase, like Chad, shares a passion for racing, continuing the tradition that began with Steve.

Chad’s other son, Steven R. McQueen, from a previous relationship, has made a name for himself in Hollywood. He is known for portraying Jeremy Gilbert on “The Vampire Diaries.”

Despite his busy career and personal challenges, Chad remained closely involved with his family. He ensured the values and passions of the McQueen name lived on through the next generation.

Final Days and Cause of Death

Chad’s health had been declining for several years due to complications from his past injury. His family revealed that an injury sustained a few years ago led to progressive organ failure, which ultimately resulted in his passing.

On September 12, 2024, Chad died surrounded by his family, including his children and life partner, as well as his longtime attorney, Arthur Barens. Barens confirmed the cause of Chad’s death was organ failure and explained that it was a gradual process triggered by the earlier injury.

Chad’s passing, though tragic, was marked by love and support from those closest to him. His family’s emotional tribute expressed their deep sense of loss but also their pride in the legacy he left behind.

“His passion for racing not only highlighted his exceptional talent but also served as a way to honor his father’s legacy,” they said in a heartfelt statement. Tributes poured in from across the entertainment and motorsports communities, with friends and fans honoring Chad’s life.

Richard Rawlings, star of “Fast N’ Loud,” eulogized him on social media, saying, “The McQueen legacy is one of a kind, and Chad kept that cool, fearless spirit alive.” The passing of Chad McQueen marked the end of an era, but his legacy, much like his father’s, will continue to resonate with generations to come.