The entertainment industry lost its shining star, Catherine O’Hara, at the beginning of 2026, admired for her voice, wit, and unforgettable characters. The Emmy-winning icon took her last breath on January 30, 2026, at the age of 71. Catherine, best known for her roles in Home Alone, Beetlejuice, Nightmare Before Christmas, A Mighty Wind, and more, has left a void in the wake of her passing that can never be fulfilled. But since her death, there has been confusion over the cause of her death, especially after her team mentioned she died due ‘ brief illness’. Amid the confusion lasting over weeks, the medical examiners have finally revealed the exact cause of her death.
What is the official cause of Catherine O’Hara’s death at 71?
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Catherine O’Hara’s death was immediately caused by Pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lungs, which becomes fatal within hours. Additionally, her death certificate has also mentioned that she was suffering from rectal cancer as another health battle for several months. Meanwhile, the dispatch records indicate paramedics were called to her Brentwood home around 4:48 a.m. after she experienced severe difficulty breathing.
