Catherine O’Hara Cause of Death “Revealed”? Here’s What We Know
Actress Catherine O’Hara’s cause of death has been revealed, weeks after her passing at the age of 71 stunned fans around the world.
The Canadian comedy star’s cause of death was confirmed 10 days after she died in Los Angeles at 71. TMZ reports that O’Hara died from a blood clot in her lungs, according to a Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office report obtained by the outlet.
The report lists her immediate cause of death as a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer named as the underlying cause.
O’Hara’s death on January 30 sent shockwaves through her global fanbase. She had continued working consistently until the end, though some of her final public appearances had sparked concern about her health.
Fans noted that O’Hara looked noticeably thinner than usual when she attended the Emmy Awards in September. She appeared even more frail during what would become her final public appearance, at the Angel Awards in Los Angeles the following month.
A guest at the ceremony told the Daily Mail that the actress “looked very slender,” adding, “It was noticeable.”
“Her face was almost gaunt, but she still looked very pretty,” the insider said. “She is a striking-looking woman — and she had a touch of glam going on. She hid her figure in a bulky green pinstriped suit.”
“She seemed to be in great spirits, however, and was very friendly and upbeat and lovely,” the source continued.
Sudden, significant weight loss is a common symptom of rectal cancer.
According to TMZ, O’Hara suffered a medical emergency at her Brentwood, Los Angeles, home in the early hours of January 30, with dispatch audio indicating she was having trouble breathing.
Stream Catherine O’Hara in Schitt’s Creek on BINGE, available on Hubbl.
The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed it responded to a call at O’Hara’s property at 4.48am local time, before transporting her to hospital in a “serious” condition.
She died just hours later.
In addition to the health issues that led to her death, O’Hara also lived with situs inversus—an extremely rare condition in which a person’s organs are positioned on the opposite side of the body from what is typical.
The condition is generally considered harmless, but it can complicate diagnosis when other medical issues arise.
The beloved comedic actress and two-time Emmy winner is survived by her husband of 33 years, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew, 31, and Luke, 29.