US | Kate Spade Kate Spade's Dad Dies on Eve of Her Funeral Family says he had been 'heartbroken' over her death By Newser Editors and Wire Services Posted Jun 21, 2018 5:29 PM CDT Copied Mourners battle wind and rain while entering Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church for funeral services for fashion designer Kate Spade in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, June 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) The father of fashion designer Kate Spade died on the eve of her funeral, according to a statement released by her family shortly before her service began Thursday in her hometown of Kansas City. The family said 89-year-old Earl Brosnahan Jr. had been in ill health before passing away Wednesday night at his home, the AP reports. The statement said he was "heartbroken over the recent death of his beloved daughter." Kate Spade was found dead by suicide in her New York City home on June 5. She was 55 and had a 13-year-old daughter. Her husband said she'd had depression and anxiety for many years. Mourners flocked to a Kansas City church shortly before her funeral, many carrying her iconic purses. Read These Next Minneapolis shooter had a plan—and grievances. American Taylor Townsend gets an earful after her US Open win. The Air Force has changed its tune on Ashli Babbitt. Open that wallet big time for a trip to Disney, if you can afford it. Report an error