5 Ways Carl Radke’s Brother, Curtis, Changed His Life Forever: Sobriety, Love, And Summer House

The story of Carl Radke and his older brother, Curtis Radke, is a deeply personal and tragic narrative that has become a central and defining part of the *Summer House* star's life. As of the current date, December 19, 2025, the legacy of Curtis's battle with addiction and mental illness continues to fuel Carl's journey toward sobriety and personal growth, profoundly shaping his relationships, career, and public persona. Carl has openly shared that his brother’s death was the ultimate "wake-up call," transforming him from a party-focused reality star into an advocate for mental health and clean living. The profound impact of this loss—which occurred during the filming of *Summer House* Season 5—has been a major storyline on the Bravo series, providing a raw and honest look at grief, recovery, and the complexities of family struggles. This article delves into the life of Curtis Radke and explores the five most significant ways his memory continues to influence Carl Radke’s path.

Carl Radke: Full Biography and Profile

Carl Radke is an American television personality, film producer, and entrepreneur best known for his long-running role on the Bravo reality series *Summer House*.

• Full Name: Carl Radke
• Date of Birth: January 27, 1985
• Age: 40 (as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Parents: Sharon Curtis Radke (Mother), William Radke (Father), and Lou (Stepfather)
• Siblings: Curtis Radke (Older Brother, Deceased) and one other brother, W. Carl
• Education: Graduated from Upper St. Clair High School (2003) and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Radio, Television, and Digital Communication from Syracuse University
• Career: Film Producer, Reality Television Personality (*Summer House*), Entrepreneur (Non-Alcoholic Beverage Industry), formerly an orthodontic sales representative
• Sobriety Date: January 8, 2021
• Relationship Status: Recently ended engagement with former co-star Lindsay Hubbard

The Tragic Story of Curtis Radke: A Life Lost to Addiction

Carl Radke's older brother, Curtis Radke, passed away in August 2020 at the age of 40. His death was a devastating blow to the Radke family and sent shockwaves through the *Summer House* cast. Curtis had struggled for years with a dual diagnosis: a lifelong battle with mental illness and addiction. The official cause of death was a heroin overdose. Carl received the heartbreaking news while filming Season 5 of *Summer House* in the Hamptons, a moment that was captured and later aired on the show, highlighting his raw grief and the immediate, profound sense of loss. Curtis's life, though cut short, was a painful reflection of the struggles many families face with substance abuse. Carl has since committed to honoring his brother's memory by sharing their story, using his platform to raise awareness about the interconnected issues of addiction and mental health.

5 Profound Ways Curtis Radke’s Death Shaped Carl’s Life

The loss of his brother was not just a personal tragedy for Carl Radke; it became the single most significant catalyst for change in his adult life. It directly led to a complete overhaul of his lifestyle, career, and relationships.

1. The Catalyst for Carl Radke’s Sobriety Journey

The most immediate and critical impact of Curtis’s death was Carl’s decision to get sober. Carl realized that his own heavy drinking and recreational drug use—which was a major part of his persona on *Summer House*—was leading him down a dangerous path, one that mirrored his brother's. Carl has stated that his brother’s passing was a "wake-up call" that prompted him to seek help and commit to a sober lifestyle. His official sobriety date is January 8, 2021, and he has maintained it diligently, often discussing the challenges of navigating a party-centric environment like the *Summer House* while sober.

2. A Shift in Career and Entrepreneurial Focus

Curtis’s memory inspired Carl to channel his energy into a business venture that aligns with his new sober lifestyle. Carl became a Vice President of Sales for Loverboy, a hard tea and cocktail company founded by co-star Kyle Cooke. However, his personal advocacy for non-alcoholic options has led him to explore new entrepreneurial avenues. He has been open about his desire to launch or be involved with a non-alcoholic bar or beverage company, directly inspired by his brother’s journey and the need for inclusive social spaces that don't revolve around alcohol. This career pivot is a direct tribute to Curtis.

3. Elevated Awareness of Mental Health and Addiction

Carl has transformed into a public advocate, using his platform to discuss the stigma surrounding mental illness and substance abuse. He frequently speaks about the connection between the two, a struggle his brother knew well. By sharing his family's story on a national stage like Bravo, Carl has provided comfort and visibility to viewers dealing with similar issues. He regularly engages in conversations about therapy, grief, and the importance of seeking help, turning his personal pain into a source of public good and topical authority on the subject.

4. Profound Impact on Relationships, Including Lindsay Hubbard

Curtis’s death and Carl’s subsequent sobriety put immense pressure on his relationships, particularly his on-again, off-again, and eventually, engaged relationship with Lindsay Hubbard. His new focus on recovery meant a change in priorities and social habits, which sometimes caused friction with his friends and fiancée, who were still heavily involved in the party scene. The shift in Carl’s personality—from a carefree "loverboy" to a more serious, emotionally available man—was directly tied to his grief and recovery. This transformation, while positive for Carl, ultimately contributed to the complexities and eventual end of his engagement with Lindsay Hubbard, as they struggled to align their vastly different lifestyles and visions for the future.

5. A Permanent Change to His *Summer House* Persona

Carl Radke's role on *Summer House* has fundamentally changed. In early seasons, he was the charismatic, often chaotic, party animal. Since his brother's death and his sobriety, he has become the voice of reason and introspection in the house. His storylines now revolve around emotional vulnerability, navigating difficult conversations about addiction with co-stars like Kyle Cooke and Gabby Prescod, and maintaining his boundaries in a high-pressure, alcohol-fueled environment. The memory of Curtis Radke is a permanent, underlying theme in all of Carl’s interactions on the show, lending a deeper, more serious tone to the reality series. Curtis Radke’s life and death serve as a powerful reminder of the hidden battles many people face. For Carl Radke, honoring his brother's memory is not a one-time event but a daily commitment to living a better, healthier, and more purposeful life, both on and off camera.

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