Catherine O’Hara died from a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer listed as the underlying cause.
Catherine O’Hara, the acclaimed actress known for Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, passed away on January 30 at the age of 71. According to her death certificate, the immediate cause of death was a pulmonary embolism, which is a sudden blockage in a lung artery caused by a blood clot that typically originates in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis and travels to the lungs, restricting blood flow and lowering oxygen levels
. Pulmonary embolisms are serious and can be fatal if not treated promptly, with about one-third of cases resulting in death before medical intervention
The certificate also listed rectal cancer as the underlying or long-term cause of death, indicating that O’Hara had been receiving treatment for the disease since March of the previous year and last saw her oncologist shortly before her passing
. Rectal cancer can increase the risk of blood clots, which may have contributed to the development of the pulmonary embolism
O’Hara’s death came as a shock to fans and colleagues, as she had not publicly disclosed her health struggles. She was cremated following her passing, and tributes poured in from co-stars, collaborators, and the entertainment community worldwide
. Her death highlights the seriousness of pulmonary embolisms, which are the third most common blood vessel condition after heart attacks and strokes, and underscores the importance of early detection and treatment of blood clots
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