Bob Mackie’s death certificate reveals shocking new details about his final days

Bob Mackie’s death certificate has revealed that the legendary fashion designer suffered a fatal head injury after a fall just days before his death.

The shocking new details come after a rep for Mackie initially confirmed to Page Six Style that he died of pneumonia.

His cause of death is listed as a subarachnoid hemorrhage and blunt head trauma, according to the death certificate obtained by Us Weekly.

Bob Mackie’s death certificate has revealed that he suffered a fatal head injury after a fall just days before his death. (Mackie is pictured above at the Season 2 finale event for “Palm Royale” in January.) ZUMAPRESS.com
A rep for Mackie (seen above at the Los Angeles premiere of the documentary “Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion” in May 2024) initially confirmed that he died of pneumonia, but his cause of death is listed as a subarachnoid hemorrhage and blunt head trauma. REUTERS

The document also states that Mackie sustained the injury in a fall on Sept. 11 at the home of his longtime design director, Joseph McFate.

He died three days later, on Sept. 14, at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, California.

However, a rep for Mackie clarified that he had been battling pneumonia both before and after he was hospitalized.

“For clarification, Mr. Mackie was staying in the guest house at the home of his longtime design director, Joe McFate,” the rep told Us Weekly in a statement. “A healthcare professional was with him when he fell. He was also suffering from pneumonia both before and after his hospitalization.”

Mackie’s death certificate also states that he sustained the injury in a fall on Sept. 11 at the home of his longtime design director, Joseph McFate. (Mackie is pictured above at a screening and conversation for “Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion” at the 92nd Street Y.) Paul Zimmerman / Shutterstock
Mackie, who died on Sept. 14 in Palm Springs, had been suffering from pneumonia both before and after his hospitalization following the fall. (He is seen above at the 2019 Met Gala.) Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

The death certificate also states that Mackie was cremated on Sept. 17, with his remains “scattered at sea off the coast of San Diego County in California.”

Mackie’s death was announced on Sept. 14, the day he died, in a statement shared on his social media accounts.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today,” the statement read. “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.

“His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world.”

Mackie’s death certificate also states that he was cremated on Sept. 17, with his remains “scattered at sea off the coast of San Diego County in California.” (Mackie is pictured above at the 27th Costume Designers Guild Awards in February 2025.) REUTERS
Mackie’s death was announced on Sept. 14 in a statement shared on his social media accounts, which read in part, “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.” MediaPunch / BACKGRID

Mackie was best known for designing show-stopping looks for pop culture icons, including Cher, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Beyoncé and Dolly Parton.

When Parton died at age 80 in late August, Mackie paid tribute to the country music icon in a heartfelt Instagram post.

“Dolly was a lovely soul and spirit who was fair to everyone. She was a joy and pleasure to dress. You will be missed. With love, Bob Mackie xo,” he wrote alongside a photo of sketches of the outfits he designed for Parton over the years.

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