Cause of Death and Circumstances
According to the death certificate obtained by Us Weekly, the famed fashion designer's passing resulted from a subarachnoid hemorrhage together with blunt head trauma. The paperwork indicates he sustained the deadly head injury during a Sept. 11 fall at the residence of Joseph McFate, his design director of many years. Three days afterward, on Sept. 14, he passed away at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, California. These findings differ from what a representative first told the outlet, namely that pneumonia had caused his death.[S1]
A spokesperson for Mackie subsequently provided clarification, saying he had been fighting pneumonia both prior to and following his time in the hospital. The spokesperson informed Us Weekly that Mackie had been residing in the guest house on McFate's property, and that a medical professional was present at the moment of his fall. The spokesperson stressed once more that pneumonia affected Mackie before and after he was hospitalized. The certificate additionally records that Mackie's cremation took place on Sept. 17, after which his remains were scattered at sea off San Diego County, California.[S1]
Announcement and Tributes
News of Mackie's passing came on Sept. 14, the same day he died, through a statement posted to his social media accounts. The statement said hearts were heavy and observed that he had made the most of his 87 years, achieving his ambition of becoming a fashion and costume designer. It added that his brilliance and remarkable creations would endure, continuing to add beauty to the world. Mackie had also penned a tribute to Dolly Parton, calling her a lovely soul and spirit who treated everyone fairly and was a joy and pleasure to dress. He closed it with love, Bob Mackie xo, next to a photo of sketches of outfits he created for Parton through the years.[S1]
