Kate Spade’s “heartbroken” father dies on eve of designer’s funeral
Kate Spade's "heartbroken" father has died just a day before the fashion designer's funeral on Thursday.
Earl F. Brosnahan Jr., 89, passed away in Kansas City, Missouri on June 20, his family has confirmed.
Brosnahan's loved ones say they believe he died, in part, of a broken heart after his daughter was found dead in her New York apartment on June 5.
A chief medical examiner later confirmed Spade, 55, took her own life.
"We are deeply saddened to announce that Katy’s father, Earl F. Brosnahan, Jr. [Frank], passed away last night at age 89," the statement read.
"He had been in failing health of late and was heartbroken over the recent death of his beloved daughter. He was at home and surrounded by family at the time of his passing.
"He was especially proud of his wife, children and grandchildren."
Brosnahan is survived by his second wife Sandy, who was at his bedside when he died.
Following Spade’s death, Brosnahan told the Kansas City Star that he had spoken to his daughter the night before she died and they had discussed her upcoming trip to the US West Coast.
"She was happy and we made plans to meet in California," Brosnahan said.
Speaking of how the family was coping in the tragedy, Brosnahan said the "close" group would "certainly miss our bright, sunshiney little person."
He believes his daughter would have been gratified knowing the discussions about mental health taking place around her death.
"Katy would have liked that. She was always giving and charitable. If that helped anybody avoid anything — fine, she'd be delighted," he said.
The fashion icon's funeral went ahead as planned in Kansas City, with husband Andy Spade giving a eulogy and several other family members speaking.
The couple were married for 24 years but had been living separately for several months before her death. The pair have one child, a daughter named Beatrice.