A doctor told Inside Edition heightened stress levels as a result of a loved one's death could lead to a life-threatening condition.
Kate Spade’s father on the night before his daughter's funeral may have died of what has been known as "broken heart syndrome."
Earl F. Brosnahan Jr., 89, died Wednesday, just two weeks after the death of his fashion designer daughter.
"Your heart races, your lungs start working harder, and some people because of their age or their chronic medical conditions — their body just can’t handle that," Dr. Devi Nampiaparampil told Inside Edition.
Hundreds of mourners gathered in the rain for Kate Spade's funeral in her hometown of Kansas City Thursday.
Fans of the iconic handbag designer stood in the rain with their Kate Spade purses as her ashes were carried into the church in a large white urn.
Friends and family, already mourning the designer, received the shocking news that her father had died the night before.
At the funeral, a moment of silence was observed for Brosnahan.
"He had been in failing health of late and was heartbroken over the recent death of his beloved daughter," the family said in a statement. "He was at home and surrounded by family at the time of his passing."
Brosnahan is survived by his wife, Sandy, five children and eight grandchildren.
Spade was found dead after hanging herself in her New York City apartment on June 5. She was in treatment for anxiety and depression at the time of her death.
Many believe Hollywood icon Debbie Reynolds died of what's known as “broken heart syndrome” just one day after the death of her daughter, "Star Wars" actress Carrie Fisher, in December 2016.
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