Catherine O’Hara Dies At 71: Explaining Pulmonary Embolism That Led To Schitt's Creek Star's Death

Schitt's Creek star Catherine O'Hara passed away at 71 following a brief illness in a Los Angeles hospital on January 30. The death certificate of the comedic actress revealed that she had been receiving cancer treatment since March 2025.

Catherine O'Hara Dies At 71: Schitt's Creek star Catherine O'Hara passed away at 71 in a Los Angeles hospital on January 30. O'Hara's agent confirmed the death of the comedic actress, who is best known for her starring roles in Home Alone and Beetlejuice, following a brief illness.

Catherine O'Hara Cause Of Death

According to the death certificate released by the LA County Department of Public Health on Monday, Catherine O'Hara's cause of death has been linked to a blood clot in her lungs (pulmonary embolism) and rectal cancer as the long-term illness that led to Schitt's Creek star's death. It further notes the actress has been cremated and her remains were handed over to her husband. The 71-year-old star is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, her sons Matthew and Luke, and her six siblings. Catherine O'Hara had been receiving cancer treatment since March 2025.

What Is Pulmonary Embolism? Symptoms

A pulmonary embolism is a medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in an artery, preventing blood flow in the lungs. According to Mayo Clinic, a blood clot forms in a deep vein in the leg and travels to the lung. When it forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body, it is called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Healthcare professionals warn that pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening if one or more clots block blood flow to the lungs. People suffering from pulmonary embolism can experience several symptoms depending on how much of your lung is involved, the size of the clots and whether you have underlying lung or heart disease. Mayo Clinic states, "Because one or more clots block blood flow to the lungs, pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening. However, prompt treatment greatly reduces the risk of death. Taking measures to prevent blood clots in your legs will help protect you against pulmonary embolism."

Symptoms Of Pulmonary Embolism

"Because one or more clots block blood flow to the lungs, pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening. However, prompt treatment greatly reduces the risk of death. Taking measures to prevent blood clots in your legs will help protect you against pulmonary embolism," Mayo Clinic explains. Here are some common symptoms of pulmonary embolism you must watch out for to procur treatment:

1. Shortness of breath
2. Chest pain
3. Fainting

Other symptoms of pulmonary embolism include:

1. Irregular heartbeat
2. Dizziness
3. Excessive sweating
4. Fever
5. Leg pain or swelling
6. Discoloured skin
7. Blood-streaked mucus

Who Is At Risk Of Pulmonary Embolism?

Experts warn that anyone can develop a blood clot, which can result in pulmonary embolism. Here are certain medical conditions that can increase your risk of a life-threatening blockage of a lung artery, according to Mayo Clinic:

1. Heart disease
2. Cancer
3. Surgery
4. Disorders
5. COVID-19
6. Long period of inactivity
7. Smoking
8. Being overweight
9. Supplement estrogen
10. Preganancy

"A pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening. About one-third of people with an undiagnosed and untreated pulmonary embolism don't survive. When the condition is diagnosed and treated promptly, however, that number drops dramatically," Mayo Clinic explains. "Pulmonary embolisms also can lead to pulmonary hypertension, a condition in which the blood pressure in the lungs and in the right side of the heart is too high. When you have blockages in the arteries inside your lungs, your heart must work harder to push blood through those vessels. This increases blood pressure and eventually weakens your heart."