Fashion designer Kate Spade was found dead in her apartment in New York City, PEOPLE reports, with police saying her death was an apparent suicide.
The NYPD officers investigating the scene told News 4 New York that they found Spade in her NYC apartment around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. According to the New York Times, Spade’s housekeeper found her unconscious in her bedroom and immediately called emergency services.
Spade is best known for having co-founded her titular brand Kate Spade New York, alongside her husband Andy Spade. Since 1993, Spade has grown her namesake brand to create handbags, shoes, accessories, and more—all of which have had life-changing impacts on her customers. The fashion designer who has become synonymous with success and has multiple names, from Kate Brosnahan, Kate Valentine, Katherine Noel Frances Valentine Brosnahan Spade but was better known as Kate Spade.
Spade continually championed women empowerment in her work and inspired other women to “leave a little bit of sparkle wherever [they] go.”
In the aftermath of Spade’s death, fans and celebrities are using their social media platforms to remember Spade and offer love and condolences to her family.
Singer and songwriter Josh Groban tweeted, “Depression does not discriminate and comes without warning. RIP Kate Spade. Love to her family. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.”
I just want to add that there’s also a crisis text line for those of us who have too much anxiety or for whatever reason can’t speak on the phone: text HOME to 741741!
speaking from experience, the text line really helps!!don’t be ashamed to reach out for help!
— gen dietzel (@gendietzel) June 5, 2018
Other Twitter users have also echoed Groban’s mindful message about how necessary discussions about mental health actually are and how important it is to support people living with mental illness.
YouTuber Stef Sanjati tweets, “With Kate Spade’s passing, it’s an important reminder that money, fame, and capitalistic success cannot beat back depression or mental illness. Check in on your people. Talk about feelings. Discuss mental health. Open those doors. Take care of each other.”
With Kate Spade’s passing, it’s an important reminder that money, fame, and capitalistic success cannot beat back depression or mental illness.
Check in on your people. Talk about feelings. Discuss mental health. Open those doors.
Take care of each other.
— Stef Sanjati (@stefsanjati) June 5, 2018
Even if you aren’t sure if your loved ones are at risk for depression or suicidal thoughts, it’s vital to do more than just extend a line of communication—make your friends feel comfortable with having a candid and transparent discussion about mental health and be vigilant of potential signs that your loved ones might be at risk of suicide. Remember that there is hope and there are always people ready and able to support folks going through a difficult time.
(If you’re a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and you might not feel comfortable discussing certain topics with your friends, family, or general suicide prevention hotline, The Trevor Project is a 24-hour support like that can help you. Even if you don’t believe that you’re in immediate crisis or at risk for suicide, talking to a trained counselor can help prevent you from being emotionally or mentally exhausted. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone over the phone, The Trevor Project, along with the GLBT Hotline, also offer free text and chat services.)