A few days after the passing of Hollywood legend Catherine O’Hara, newly released medical findings have confirmed the cause of her death.
TMZ reports that the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Monday that the beloved actress died from a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in her lungs.
Rectal cancer was listed as the underlying cause. She was 71. According to the death certificate obtained by TMZ, O’Hara was cremated, and her remains were released to her husband, Robert “Bo” Welch.
Medical Examiner Confirms Pulmonary Embolism
GettyAs per Mayo Clinic, Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, blocking blood flow and causing sudden breathing difficulties. The condition can become life-threatening without immediate treatment.
The Medical Examiner’s Office listed rectal cancer as the condition that contributed to the fatal complication. No additional medical details were disclosed.
The confirmation provides clarity following days of speculation after O’Hara’s death was first reported late last month.
Hospitalization and Final Days
GettyPeople reported that O’Hara died at the end of January after being rushed to the hospital in serious condition, according to sources with direct knowledge of the situation.
Dispatch personnel reported at the time that she was experiencing difficulty breathing when emergency services responded. She was transported for urgent medical care but did not recover.
Her representatives initially described her death as the result of a brief illness. The newly released findings now outline the medical circumstances behind that description.
Medical History: Catherine O’Hara Previously Spoke Openly About Rare Congenital Condition
GettyO’Hara had been candid for years about living with situs inversus, a rare congenital condition in which the body’s internal organs are arranged as a mirror image of typical anatomy. Her diagnosis included dextrocardia, meaning her heart was positioned on the right side of her chest rather than the left.
Many people with situs inversus live full, healthy lives and experience few symptoms. The condition can present complications, particularly during medical procedures that rely on standard organ placement or when the heart is involved.
For O’Hara, the diagnosis included dextrocardia, a rare variation in which the heart is positioned on the right side of the chest rather than the left.
O’Hara discussed the diagnosis publicly in 2021, approaching the subject with the same humor and openness that marked her career.
“I’m a freak, yeah!” she said at the time.
A Career Marked by Humor and Humanity
O’Hara built a career defined by sharp wit, emotional depth, and unforgettable performances across film and television. From sketch comedy to leading roles, she remained a fixture of popular culture for decades.
Even in conversations about her health in recent years, she approached serious subjects with humor and openness, offering rare insight without losing her warmth or grace.
Her absence was felt earlier this month when she did not attend the Golden Globes, despite being nominated for her recent television work.
O’Hara is survived by her husband, Welch, and their two sons. Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, collaborators, and fans who credit her with shaping generations of comedy and storytelling.
While the medical details now offer answers, her legacy rests in the joy she created and the humanity she brought to every role. Her life’s work remains. So does the laughter she gave the world!
