What Is Pulmonary Embolism? Caused Catherine O'Hara Demise, Here's All You Need To Know About It

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.

What is Pulmonary Embolism?

According to the Mayo Clinic, Pulmonary Embolism is a blood clot that blocks blood flow to an artery in the lung. It is said that in most cases, the blood clot can start deep in a vein in the lung and then travel all the way to the lung. However, there are some rare instances when a clot forms in another part of the body. The article by the medical institution shared that if there is one or more clots blocking the flow to the lung, Pulmonary Embolism can become life-threatening.

This is believed to have happened in Catherine O'Hara's case. However, prompt treatments can often reduce the risk of death. Mayo Clinic has also shared some indicators of a Pulmonary Embolism, which include shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting. Other symptoms may include blood-tinged mucus, an irregular heartbeat, fever, and excessive sweating.

About Catherine O'Hara's demise

Catherine O'Hara was rushed to the hospital on January 30, 2026, after having difficulty breathing at her home in the ritzy Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. The actress who starred in Beetlejuice and, more recently, in Apple TV's Hollywood satire show The Studio was unfortunately declared dead shortly after. The news of her sudden death sent shockwaves through Hollywood, with tributes pouring in from former co-stars, political figures, fans, and even the Westminster Dog Show.

The actress was extremely loved in dog-show circles for portraying 'Cookie Fleck', a Norwich terrier owner, in Christopher Guest’s 2000 mockumentary, Best in Show. Organizers of the show paid tribute to the beloved actress with a video montage played on the Jumbotron in New York City’s Madison Square Garden.

More about Catherine O'Hara

Catherine O'Hara was born in Toronto in 1954 and has a great passion for the performing arts from a young age. It was in Toronto itself that she joined the legendary comedy theater Second City, alongside Eugene Levy, with whom she would collaborate throughout her career, including on the smash TV series, Schitt's Creek. Her big break in the movies, however, came in 1980, with Eugene Levy and John Candy's Double Negative. 

In 1988, she played Winona Ryder's stepmother in Beetlejuice. Nonetheless, Catherine became a household name with Home Alone and Home Alone 2. Talking about her personal life, Catherine married Beetlejuice's production designer, Bo Welch, a few years later. The couple had two sons, Matthew and Luke.

What are your thoughts on Catherine O'Hara's demise by pulmonary embolism? 

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