David Carradine died during a sex game that went wrong, according to sources in Bangkok, Thailand, where he was found dead on Thursday.

Carradine's body was discovered in a hotel suite and local reports suggested he committed suicide.

He was discovered by a maid, naked and hanged, but the suggestions his death had a sexual twist were strongly disputed by the star's close friend, attorney Vicki Roberts, and his manager Chuck Binder, who insisted he died of natural causes.

But a statement from Carradine's representative now indicates the actor died during a sex act.

The spokesperson tells TMZ.com, "We can confirm 100 per cent that he never would have committed suicide. It was an accidental death. Everybody is in shock."

Rumors Carradine died attempting auto-erotic asphyxiation - where victims achieve heightened sexual pleasure by restricting their air supply - are backed up by a quote a Bangkok police officer gave to British newspaper The Sun.

The cop tells reporters, "A rope was attached to his neck and also to his penis".

INXS singer Michael Hutchence is said to have died attempting the same sex act in a Sydney, Australia hotel room back in 1997 - although his death was officially declared a suicide.

Carradine was in Thailand to shoot new movie "Stretch". He was 72.

Image © Scott Alan / Photorazzi

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)