Two weeks ago, the fashion world was met with great tragedy when designer and business entrepreneur Kate Spade reportedly took her own life. The funeral for the Kate Spade Handbags frontwoman took place in Kansas City, Missouri on Thursday, but the family of the late fashion celebrity was met with even more grief during the memorial, as it is revealed that Kate's father, Earl Brosnahan, passed away on Wednesday-- the day before his daughter's memorial service. He was 89. Here's a statement released by the mourning family regarding the passing of Kate Spade's father.
We are deeply saddened to announce that Katy's father, Earl F. Brosnahan, Jr. (Frank), passed away last night at age 89. He has 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.
Earl Brosnahan was surrounded by his family at the time of his death, and is survived by his wife, Sandy Brosnahan, who married Earl in 1992, as well as his three brothers and sister, five children and eight grandchildren, according to Good Morning America. There's no word on when they plan to have a funeral service for Earl Brosnahan, and we can't imagine the grief the family must feel.
Kate Spade, meanwhile, was survived by her husband, Andy Spade, as well as by their 13-year-old daughter, Frances Valentine, who was the name of one of Kate Spade's final business ventures. In a statement released shortly after his wife's death, Andy Spade confirmed rumors that the married couple was living in separate residences, although the Spades were not legally separated and did not discuss divorce. He also called his wife "the most beautiful woman in the world," and Andy Spade said he and his daughter were "devastated" by the loss, and that they "can't even begin to fathom life without her." He also confessed that Kate Spade battled depression and anxiety for years and that she was seeking help in the years before her death. The death came as a complete shock to both Andy Spade and Frances Valentine, and they've since requested privacy.
Our condolences are extended to the family and friends mourning the deaths of Kate Spade and her father, Earl Brosnahan. If you or someone you know has thoughts about suicide, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK, a telephone line which is available 24/7 across the United States.
