I could be way off base here, but I have a feeling that this is what the family was looking for all along. I think they were terribly afraid of a ruling of "suicide" as COD. Suicide may have some adverse implications for the insurance payout.
Whatever the case, hopefully Mr. Carradine has found some peace.
I don’t believe an insurance company will pay out on suicide. I’m also not sure that an “accidental” death like THIS, will pay out either. The odds are NOT in their favor. Eventually, something like this will happen - especially if the person is alone ... .