Grappling with his son’s suicide, Michael Madsen still hopes to find answers


The final message that Reservoir Dogs star Michael Madsen received from his son before his tragic suicide was a heartfelt “I love you dad.”

Hudson Madsen, a 26-year-old U.S. Army Sergeant stationed in Hawaii, completed his first tour and tragically took his own life by shooting himself in the head, leaving his father in shock.

Despite recent communication that indicated Hudson’s happiness, the devastating turn of events took Michael Madsen by surprise.

The actor shared that his last text from his son was an expression of love, and he hadn’t observed any signs of depression.

Hudson, the eldest son of Michael and DeAnna Madsen, had two younger brothers, Kalvin and Luke, and Michael has two more sons, Christian and Max, from a previous marriage.

Hudson’s wife, Carlie, whom he married in 2019, posted on social media about their seemingly happy relationship. Her posts hinted at their struggle with infertility and plans for in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Just a week before Hudson’s tragic death on January 22, 2022, Carlie underwent surgery to remove a tumor, and Hudson demonstrated unwavering support during her recovery.

The circumstances leading to Hudson’s suicide left everyone puzzled. Michael Madsen, at 64 years old, revealed that his son, who had faced typical life challenges, desired a family and was looking toward the future.

Despite these aspirations, Hudson struggled with mental health issues, and Madsen suspected that military personnel’s shaming attitude might have hindered his son from seeking therapy.

One month after Hudson’s death, Michael Madsen faced legal trouble himself. Arrested for trespassing at his recently evicted luxury home in Malibu, he was released on bail.

Madsen, known for his roles in Tarantino’s films, has a history of legal issues, including a DUI charge in 2019 and a child endangerment charge in 2012.

In January 23, 2023, Carlie, deeply mourning the loss of her husband, posted a poignant tribute on Instagram, expressing the ongoing pain of living without him and regret for not recognizing the signs of his struggles. She affectionately referred to him as “Lump” and declared her enduring love for him.


The tragic passing of Hudson Madsen marks the heartbreaking conclusion to the life of a hero, son, best friend, and husband.

Take a moment to reach out to those you care about and remind them of your love. Remember, assistance is always within reach. If you prefer to make an anonymous call, utilize the Suicide Hotline by dialing 9-8-8, a universal number accessible in both the U.S. and Canada.