Fashion designer Kate Spade has died at the age of 55.
The NYPD confirms to ET Canada that she was found dead in her New York City apartment on Tuesday morning. ET Canada later confirmed her cause of death was ruled a suicide by hanging, according to the New York Medical Examiner.
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CBS New York reports Spade’s body was discovered by her housekeeper at her home on Park Avenue at 10:20 a.m. Sources tell CBS she left a suicide note.
Spade’s family released the following statement on her passing to the New York Daily News: “We are all devastated by today’s tragedy. We loved Kate dearly and will miss her terribly. We would ask that our privacy be respected as we grieve during this very difficult time.”
The designer launched Kate Spade Handbags with Andy Spade – actor David Spade’s brother – in 1993.
The couple wed in 1994 and had a daughter, Frances Beatrix Valentine Spade, together. Spade sold the company in 2007 and created a new brand, Frances Valentine, named after her daughter in 2016.
Kate Spade New York has over 140 retail shops and outlet stores across the U.S. and more than 175 shops internationally.
The company released the following statement on Tuesday afternoon: “Kate Spade, the visionary founder of our brand, has passed. Our thoughts are with her family at this incredibly heartbreaking time. We honour all the beauty she brought into this world.”
The designer is survived by her husband, Andy, and their 13-year-old daughter, Frances Beatrix Valentine Spade.
The fashion world and celebrities are paying tribute to the late fashion icon.
“The CFDA is devastated to hear the news of our friend, colleague, and CFDA member Kate Spade’s tragic passing,” Diane von Furstenberg and Steven Kolb.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, resources are available. In case of an emergency, please call 911 for immediate help.
The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, Depression Hurts and Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) all offer ways for getting help if you or someone you know is suffering from mental health issues.
This is a developing story.
~ With files from Global News and The Associated Press
