Designer Kate Spade Dies by Apparent Suicide at 55
Editor's Note
If you experience suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide, the following post could be potentially triggering. You can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741741.
Fashion designer Kate Spade died by an apparent suicide on Tuesday in her New York City apartment, multiple police sources have confirmed, according to CBS New York.
Spade, born Kate Brosnahan and known as Kate Valentine following the sale of her brand, was 55. She first launched Kate Spade Handbags in 1993 and was internationally-known for her clothing and handbags. Kate Spade New York has over 140 U.S. stores and more than 175 international locations. She introduced a new fashion line named after her daughter, Frances Valentine, in 2016, after selling the remainder of her Kate Spade shares in 2006.
The Kate Spade New York account tweeted a statement Tuesday afternoon. The company said its thoughts are with Spade’s family and it honors “all the beauty she brought into this world.”
— kate spade new york (@katespadeny) June 5, 2018
Spade was incredibly successful in her career, but suicide doesn’t discriminate. Suicide risk peaks for middle-aged women, according to the American Association of Suicidology (AAS).
“Women of any socio-demographic group can die by suicide,” Julie Cerel, president of AAS, said in a statement. “People who are suicidal often find it difficult to see past their successes, their families or anything but their current struggle.”
If this news is hard for you, know you are not alone — and there is help for people who are feeling suicidal. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “START” to 741-741. Head here for a list of crisis centers around the world.
Fans reacted to the news on Twitter and shared their condolences.
Completely stunned and saddened by the news about designer Kate Spade. Her brand @katespadeny has always been one of my favorite brands that embodied happiness and joy. We as a society truly don’t understand depression and I hope someday we do. #livecolorfully #katespade ???? pic.twitter.com/c6uk1tl6LB
— ???????????? ????. (@MegDownSouth) June 5, 2018
RIP Kate Spade ☹️ I abosolutely love Kate Spade and her products. She’s one of my favorite designers. I’m heartbroken.
— Ashleigh (@ashleighmgibbs) June 5, 2018
Shocked to hear of Kate Spade’s passing. She was a pioneer for women’s fashion, and to the outside world, a success in every way. But mental illness does not discriminate. No matter who you are. If you ever feel alone, know there is ALWAYS help. Love you.
— Jessica Vosk (@JessicaVosk) June 5, 2018
sending my love and thoughts to everyone affected by kate spade’s passing. mental health conditions affect all types of people, just because someone is successful doesn’t mean they can’t have a mental health condition.
— gabby frost (@gabby_frost) June 5, 2018
Rest In Peace Kate Spade. Thank you for creating my favorite brand.
“Playing dress up begins at age 5 and never truly ends.” – Kate Spade
— Reagan Stout (@ReaganStout) June 5, 2018
Hearing that my all time favorite designer Kate Spade has died. She showed me that even a nerd like me could actually be fashionable and feel comfortable. All of my love to her family, friends and @DavidSpade.
— Jessica Carter (@dangergirl101) June 5, 2018
Deeply saddened by the news of the death of my favorite designer, Kate Spade. You will forever be missed. #RIPKateSpade pic.twitter.com/5APqv3x53W
— rolyaT (@_rolyaTTaylor_) June 5, 2018
This post will be updated as more information becomes available.
Image via Creative Commons/Corey Coyle
Elizabeth is the reporter at The Mighty. Elizabeth also runs the Elizabeth Explains column of Mighty Brief, The Mighty's daily newsletter. Follow her on twitter @ekcassidy4 or send an email to elizabeth@themighty.com.
elizabeth-cassidy