Catherine O'Hara's Cause of Death Confirmed

Home Alone star died from a blood clot in her lungs, death certificate reveals

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Catherine O'Hara's death certificate has revealed that the Home Alone star died from a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer as the underlying cause. O'Hara, who was 71 years old, passed away on January 30 at a hospital in Santa Monica, California. Her remains were cremated and given to her husband, Bo Welch.

Why it matters

O'Hara was a beloved comedy legend, known for her roles in films like Home Alone and Schitt's Creek. Her death at a relatively young age has saddened many fans, and the revelation of her previously unknown cancer diagnosis adds poignancy to the news.

The details

According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office, O'Hara's official cause of death was a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer as the underlying cause. The New York Times reports that O'Hara was cremated, and her remains were given to her husband, Bo Welch. O'Hara had previously shared that she had a rare medical condition called dextrocardia with situs inversus, in which her heart and organs were on the wrong side of her body.

  • Catherine O'Hara died on January 30, 2026 at the age of 71.
  • O'Hara's death certificate was released on February 8, 2026.

The players

Catherine O'Hara

A Canadian comedy legend known for her roles in films like Home Alone and Schitt's Creek. She died at the age of 71 from a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer as the underlying cause.

Bo Welch

Catherine O'Hara's husband, who received her cremated remains after her death.

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The takeaway

The revelation of Catherine O'Hara's cause of death, including her previously unknown cancer diagnosis, has saddened many fans and added poignancy to the loss of this beloved comedy icon.