The cause of death of the two-time Emmy winner Catherine O'Hara, 71, has been confirmed by the authorities. She died at her Los Angeles home on January 30 following a brief illness. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said O'Hara died due to pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer listed as the underlying cause.
It was indicated that she had been undergoing treatment for the cancer since March 2025.
The Home Alone actor was cremated, and her remains were handed over to her husband, Robert 'Bo' Welch. Earlier, her death had renewed attention on a rare medical condition that she had: dextrocardia with situs inversus.
What is pulmonary embolism?
A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that blocks and stops blood flow to an artery in the lung. Usually, the blood clot starts in a deep vein in the leg and travels to the lungs. Since one or more clots block the blood flow to the lungs, pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening. However, prompt treatment reduces the risk of death. Adopting measures to prevent blood clots in your legs will help protect you against pulmonary embolism.
What are the common symptoms of pulmonary embolism?
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Common symptoms of pulmonary embolism include shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting. Fainting usually occurs when the blood pressure drops suddenly.
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Other symptoms include: Excessive sweating, fever, rapid heartbeat, leg pain or swelling or both, dizziness, cough or discoloured skin.
Since pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening, it is better to consult a doctor when any of the above-mentioned symptoms occur.
Actors and filmmakers, including Macaulay Culkin, Chris Columbus, Seth Rogen, Ike Barinholtz and Eugene Levy, shared messages remembering her talent and warmth.
