Catherine O'Hara, a beloved actress known for her roles in films such as 'Home Alone,' passed away at the age of 71, with the immediate cause of death cited as a pulmonary embolism. The death certificate released by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office on February 9 detailed that the embolism stemmed from a blockage in her lung arteries caused by a blood clot, with rectal cancer as the underlying condition.

Her oncologist, who had been treating O'Hara since March of the previous year, noted that their last meeting took place just three days prior to her passing in a Santa Monica hospital. The actress's unexpected death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with her representatives initially stating that she had died following a 'brief illness.'

Born in Toronto, Canada, O'Hara had a long and celebrated career in acting, leaving a lasting impact on many fans and peers alike. Her death not only marks a significant loss in the industry but also brings awareness to the serious health issues that can arise from cancers such as rectal cancer, which she battled in private until the end.