Catherine O'Hara Cause of Death Confirmed: What the Death Certificate Reveals About Her Cancer

Los Angeles County authorities have released the death certificate of Canadian actress Catherine O'Hara. The document, which is public by law, reveals the type of cancer she had and the cause of her death on January 30, 2026.

According to the certificate, the artist's remains were cremated and given to her husband, Robert "Bo" Welch, days after her death. The cause of death was identified as a pulmonary embolism, caused by a blood clot in the lungs.

In addition, it was confirmed that O'Hara suffered from rectal cancer, which was the main illness that cost him his life at age 71.

The statement issued by her representatives, reported by TMZ, suggested that the actress of hits such as Schitt's Creek and Beetlejuice had received a cancer diagnosis a few months before her death.

The final report aligns with the paramedics' account of the artist's final hours, indicating that the ambulance arrived at her home at 4:48 a.m. Los Angeles time, where O'Hara and her family had resided for decades. The report stated that the actress was experiencing severe respiratory distress. Dispatcher logs indicate it was a high-stress situation. Emergency responders had to work against the clock to stabilize her as soon as they entered the residence.

Upon arrival, the artist was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. This classification indicates that her vital signs were already at risk. Paramedics did everything they could during those critical moments, but it wasn't enough. She died shortly after arriving at the hospital.

The artist's last public appearance was at the Emmy Awards on September 14, 2025. She was there to celebrate her work, nominated for The Studio and The Last of Us.

People on the red carpet noticed she looked somewhat frail, which sparked some concern. However, O'Hara continued to smile, wearing a striking black dress, alongside her husband, Bo Welch. She radiated strength despite her physically delicate appearance.

Catherine O'Hara was fired by her family: her husband, production designer Bo Welch , whom she had been married to since 1992, and her two sons, Matthew and Luke Welch , who have also worked in the entertainment industry as production designers.