Kate Spade’s Family Suffers Another Loss Just One Day Before Her Funeral

There’s no doubt that the past few weeks have been absolutely excruciating for the family of Kate Spade, the celebrated accessories designer that took her own life at just 55.

Her 13-year-old daughter, husband/long-time business partner, and many friends and fans are still reeling from her death, but, sadly, we’ve just heard that her family has been hit with yet another tragedy.

According to a statement from the family, which was subsequently released by TMZ, Kate Spade’s father, Earl F. Brosnahan, succumbed to an illness at the age of 89— just one day before his daughter was set to be laid to rest.

Here’s what the family had to say about the tragic event:

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.

Yep, it doesn’t get much sadder than that, folks.

Other family members, including the late designer’s actress niece, Rachel Brosnahan, took to social media to eulogize the fallen patriarch. Here’s what she had to say about her late grandfather:

We lost my grandfather Frank last night. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke a whole room leaned in. He was tough as nails but gentle as can be, stubborn as a mule, and had a wicked sense of humor. He will be deeply, deeply missed. I’d like to think that he and Katy are out there somewhere singing an off key rendition of “Danny Boy” and sharing a pint.

What we know about Kate Spade’s funeral

In the past several days, more and more information has begun trickling in about the designer’s last days. We’ve learned that Spade was receiving treatment from a mental health professional and that prescribed anti-anxiety medication was found at the scene of her suicide. We also reported on her last note, which included words that seemed to take aim at her husband.

In terms of her funeral, the New York Daily News reports that the late designer’s family and friends piled into a Kansas City church where her incredible life was celebrated. The presiding priest, Father Donald P. Farnan, revealed some very personal — and special — things that happened during the touching service.

According to Farnan, Spade’s widower, Andy, spoke to the church of mourners about how he and his late wife met and “how she was a great person.” The priest said that Andy expressed “his deep love” for Kate.

Andy Spade’s brother, the actor David Spade, has also taken an instrumental role in preserving his sister-in-law’s legacy. He, too, has taken to social media to share sweet stories and has even donated $100,000 to the National Alliance on Mental Illness in her name.

To learn even more about the Spade and Brosnahan’s recent family tragedies, be sure to watch the video below.

What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking situation? Have you experienced something similar in your family? If so, how did you get through it?