Heartbreaking news shook the world when actor Michael Madsen announced the tragic death of his beloved son, Hudson. The young man, just 26 years old, succumbed to a gunshot wound to the head in what authorities suspected to be a suicide. In the midst of this devastating loss, Madsen spoke out about the pain and confusion he felt.

Expressing his grief, Madsen shared a heartfelt message: “My beautiful son, the light of my life, has decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God. Let him rest in peace and let no one follow his example. My baby. I love you so much. Be at peace.”

Hudson’s passing was confirmed by the City and County of Honolulu Dept. of the Medical Examiner. The family issued a statement through Metro, expressing their profound heartbreak and requesting privacy during this difficult time: “We are heartbroken and overwhelmed with grief and pain at the loss of Hudson. His memory and light will be remembered by all who knew and loved him. We ask for privacy and respect during this difficult time.”

Reflecting on his son’s untimely demise, Madsen shared his shock and disbelief. In a statement to The Los Angeles Times, he revealed, “I am in shock as my son, whom I just spoke with a few days ago, said he was happy — my last text from him was ‘I love you, dad.’ I didn’t see any signs of depression. It’s so tragic and sad. I’m just trying to make sense of everything and understand what happened.”

Madsen further revealed that he believes his son may have been grappling with internal struggles since joining the army and facing ridicule for seeking therapy for his mental health issues. While stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, Hudson was deployed to Afghanistan from August 2018 to January 2019. Despite these challenges, his marriage to his wife, Carlie, remained strong, as evident from their social media presence.

This heartbreaking tragedy serves as a reminder of the unseen battles many individuals face. It highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues and offering support to those in need. Let us remember Hudson and his family during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.