Kate Spade’s Father Dies Just 1 Day Before Her Funeral

Designer Kate Spade’s father died just one day before her funeral, according to reports.

Her father, Earl F. Brosnahan, died at his home on Wednesday evening, TMZ reported, adding that he was “heartbroken” over the recent loss of his daughter.

“We are deeply saddened to announce that Katy’s father, Earl F. Brosnahan, Jr. (Frank), passed away last night at age 89,” the family’s 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.”

Her father was a U.S. Navy veteran who spent much of his time living in the Midwest working for a construction business, TMZ reported.

“Frank was born in Kansas City, MO and was a lifelong resident. He served in the U.S. Navy before graduating from the University of Miami in 1949, after which he returned to Kansas City to work in in the family construction business. He was president of the Midwest Heavy Construction Association in the mid 1960s, after taking over the family business from his father Earl F. Brosnahan, Sr. and his mother Helen Rose Brosnahan (née Mottin),” the statement added, according to a writeup from the Kansas City Star.

“Frank married June Therese Mullen in 1953 and had six children, Missy, Earl III, Ann, Reta, Katy (deceased), and Eve. He was an avid tennis player and a charter member of the Carriage Club in Kansas City for more than 50 years. Frank married Sandy Palmer in 1992 and she was bedside when he passed,” it continued.

It added, “He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Katherine and Helen De Salme and his daughter Katherine Noel.”

Her father was reportedly concerned about his daughter’s use of prescription drugs and told her not to take them. He also spoke to her the night before her suicide.

TMZ reported that police investigating her death in New York City found a number of prescription medication at the scene. No illegal drugs were found.

The 55-year-old fashion designer was found dead by suicide on June 5. Her husband says she had depression and anxiety for many years.

Spade’s funeral is being held in Kansas City, Missouri.

If you need to talk to someone, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 or the Kids Help Phone on 1-800-668-6868. In case of emergency, call 911.

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