Kate Spade's heartbroken father dies just 24 hours before the designer's funeral
Less than a month after Kate Spade’s suicide, her father, Earl “Frank” Brosnahan Jr., died 'heartbroken' on Wednesday night, just a day before the designer's funeral. The family released a statement saying, “We are deeply saddened to announce that Katy’s father, Earl F. Brosnahan, Jr. (Frank), passed away last night at age 89. 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 also happened to be by his side at the time of his passing, and also his three children, and eight grandchildren, one of whom happens to be The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel actress, Rachel Brosnahan, and of course, Kate's 13-year-old daughter, Frances Beatrix.
A Kansas City, Missouri native and lifelong resident, Frank served in the US Navy and later returned to his hometown to work in the family's construction business — which he eventually took over from his parents. He was an avid tennis player and also a charter member of the Carriage Club in Kansas City for a span of over five years, apart from being a golf lover too.
The tragic news comes just two weeks after designer Kate Spade's suicide. Kate was found unconscious in her own home after allegedly hanging herself using a scarf.
It has been reported, and also confirmed by her husband, Andy Spade, in a statement post her death, that the fashion icon had been battling depression and seeking professional medicinal help for her anxiety issues before she took her own life. Kate was 55 at the time of her death.
It was also revealed that the two had been living separately for a while, with Andy having filed for their divorce. They still continued to spend time with each other at dinners and took vacations along with their daughter Bea.
In his official statement, Andy, who is also the brother of actor David Spade, insisted that "There was no substance or alcohol abuse. There were no business problems. We loved creating our businesses together. We were co-parenting our beautiful daughter. I have yet to see any note left behind and am appalled that a private message to my daughter has been so heartlessly shared with the media."
In her suicide letter, Kate had written to her daughter Bea, saying: “Bea, I have always loved you. This is not your fault. Ask Daddy!”