Kate Spade's father dies hours before her funeral

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The ailing father of designer Kate Spade died just hours before his daughter's funeral in Kansas City, Missouri.

An announcement was made Thursday at Spade's funeral, according to WDAF. A priest at the service said Earl (Frank) Brosnahan Jr. was recently put into hospice and passed away Wednesday night. He was 89 years old.

"He had been in failing health of late and was heartbroken over the recent death of his beloved daughter," a family statement says. Read the full statement from family below.

Brosnahan was born in Kansas City and lived most of his life there, according to his family. He was surrounded by family in his home when he died Wednesday.

Spade, whose real name was Katherine Noel Brosnahan, took her own life earlier this month. She was found dead in her New York City apartment on June 5. Her husband said she suffered from depression for years.

Spade's funeral is taking place this afternoon at Redemptorist Church in Kansas City.

Here is the full statement from the Brosnahan family:


If you are having suicidal thoughts there are people who want to help. Please go to a hospital, call 911 or call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).