Kate Spade’s father passes away

Earl F Brosnahan Jr breathed his last on eve of daughter’s funeral

KANSAS CITY: The father of fashion designer Kate Spade has died just over two weeks after the suicide of his daughter, the family said on Thursday. Earl F Brosnahan Jr, 89, had been in failing health and he was also “heartbroken over the recent death of his beloved daughter,” the Brosnahan family said in a statement.

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Brosnahan, known to his family and friends as Frank, died on Wednesday night at his home in Kansas City, Missouri. His family did not specify the cause of death. Kate, 55, one of his six children, was found in her New York City apartment on June 5.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Kate’s husband Andy, with whom she built an accessories empire on the popularity of her colourful handbags, said she was suffering from depression and anxiety for more than 15 years but there had been no indication that she would take her own life. Brosnahan worked in his family’s construction business. He is survived by his wife Sandy, five children and eight grandchildren.

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The brand Kate Spade New York announced on Wednesday that it plans to donate more than $1 million to suicide prevention and mental health awareness. The fashion giant’s Instagram post read, “We will start with $250,000 for the Crisis Text Line, which is a free, 24/7 support line for those fighting such battles.”

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