US designer Kate Spade’s father dies ahead of her funeral
WASHINGTON: Just a day ahead of her funeral, the father of US fashion designer Kate Spade has died, her family has said.
Earl F Brosnahan Jr, 89, died on Wednesday, more than two weeks after the suicide of Kate Spade. He had been in failing health and was “heartbroken over the recent death of his beloved daughter,” the Brosnahan family said in a statement.
Brosnahan, known to his family and friends as Frank, died at his home in Kansas City, Missouri. His family did not specify the cause of death.
Kate Spade, 55, one of his six children, was found dead in her New York City apartment on June 5, in an apparent suicide.
Spade’s husband Andy, with whom she built an accessories empire on the popularity of her colourful handbags, said after her death that his wife had suffered from depression and anxiety for more than 15 years but there had been no indication that she would take her own life.
Brosnahan worked in his family’s construction business. He is survived by his wife Sandy, five children and eight grandchildren.
On Thursday, hundreds of mourners braved drizzling rain to attend the funeral for Kate Spade. Many of them carried her iconic purses as they flocked to a church in her hometown of Kansas City.
Spade’s husband Andy Spade attended the service, along with his brother, actorcomedian David Spade, who helped other relatives enter the church under umbrellas.