Catherine O’Hara passed away on January 30, 2026 (ET) at the age of 71, leaving a massive hole in the heart of the film industry. The actress, who was one of the most beloved stars, is known for her roles in the series, Schitt’s Creek, and the 1990 holiday classic, Home Alone. However, the cause of her sudden death has remained unknown until now.
What happened to Catherine O’Hara?
According to the death certificate released by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, Catherine O’Hara passed away from a clot in her lungs. The death certificate issued on Monday, February 9, 2026, confirmed the cause of the actress’s death and cited the reason as ‘Pulmonary Embolism’. The medical examiner’s office also listed rectal cancer as an underlying cause for her death. However, ever since the news surfaced online, fans have been curious about what pulmonary embolism is.
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