The New York City medical examiner?s office confirmed Kate Spade?s cause of death was suicide by hanging. The NYPD confirmed to Us Weekly that Spade was ?unconscious and unresponsive? when responders arrived. Spade was best known for her namesake brand, Kate Spade New York. She cofounded the brand with her husband Andy Spade. Andy revealed on Wednesday that his wife had battled with depression and anxiety for years.