Legendary fashion designer Bob Mackie suffered a fatal head injury in a fall just days before his death at 87 years old, according to a report.
Mackie’s reps previously confirmed he died from pneumonia, but his death certificate tells a slightly different story. In documents obtained by Us Weekly, Mackie’s immediate cause of death is listed as a subarachnoid hemorrhage and blunt head trauma, resulting from a fall at the home of his longtime design director, Joseph McFate, on Sept. 11.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a subarachnoid hemorrhage is a type of stroke caused by an aneurysm or head injury where bleeding occurs between the brain and the tissues that cover the brain.
“For clarification, Mr. Mackie was staying in the guest house at the home of his longtime Design Director, Joe McFate,” a rep told Us Weekly. “A healthcare professional was with him when he fell.”
“He was also suffering from pneumonia both before and after his hospitalization,” the rep added.
Mackie died three days after the fall, on Sept. 14, at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, Calif. The news was announced on his official Instagram page the same day.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today,” the post said. “He lived his 87 years to the fullest, fulfilling his dream of being a Fashion and Costume Designer, which is all he ever wanted to do.”
According to his death certificate, Mackie’s body was cremated on Sept. 17 and his remains were scattered at sea off the coast of San Diego County in California.