Kate Spade’s father dies on eve of her funeral
THE father of designer Kate Spade, who committed suicide earlier this month, has died on the eve of her funeral.
Mrs Spade’s death badly affected her father, who suffered from ill health, his family said.
Earl Brosnahan, 89, died at home in Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by family on Wednesday, just two weeks after Mrs Spade’s death and a day before her funeral yesterday.
Mr Brosnahan was ‘heartbroken over the recent death of his beloved daughter’, his family said. ‘He had been in failing health of late and was heartbroken over the recent death of his beloved daughter.’
Kate Spade, 55, whose designs were coveted by women around the world, including the Duchess of Cambridge, was found dead in her New York apartment by her housekeeper on June 5.
A note next to her body begged her 13-yearold daughter Frances not to blame herself and told her that she had ‘always loved’ her. It is thought the designer – famed for her colourful, cheerful outfits – struggled with mental ill health and had been finding it hard to cope after her husband, Andy Spade, had left the marital home.
The couple had reportedly been living separately for months after 24 years of marriage.
But Mr Spade, 55, the brother of US actor David Spade, was reportedly in their Park Avenue apartment at the time of her death.
The fashion world and celebrity fans took to social media to mourn her death.
Chelsea Clinton tweeted: ‘My grandmother gave me my first Kate Spade bag when I was in college. I still have it. Holding Kate’s family, friends and loved ones in my heart.’