Kate Spade's official cause of death was ruled suicide by hanging, a spokesperson for New York’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner told People magazine.
The ruling comes two days after the 55-year-old iconic fashion designer was found dead in her New York City apartment.
Housekeeping staff discovered Spade's body inside her apartment Tuesday at around 10:20 a.m. A scarf reportedly was around her neck and tied to a door knob.
There were reports that a note had been left behind but officials said they weren't authorized to divulge details of the case until an autopsy was performed.
Friends and family members speaking about the designer's final few months painted a picture of a woman in turmoil.
In a statement to People, her husband Andy Spade, said that “Kate had suffered from depression and anxiety for many years" and that "she was actively seeking help and working closely with her doctors to treat her disease, one that takes far too many lives."
He went on to explain that, the night before her death, he had spoken to her and she seemed happy.
“There was no indication and no warning that she would do this. It was a complete shock. And it clearly wasn’t her. There were personal demons she was battling.”
It was reported that Kate Spade had separated from Andy Spade after 24 years of marriage and reportedly said in a note addressed to their 13-year-old daughter, "Bea - I have always loved you. This is not your fault. Ask Daddy!"
Kate Spade's older sister, Reta Saffo, said she and others suspected her sibling was suffering from bipolar disorder, an illness which she would self-medicate with alcohol.
"Unfortunately, untreated, it finally took its toll on her," she told the Daily Mail. "A very tragic and sad ending to the life of a very colorful and delightful being."
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