Kate Brosnahan Spade, the fashion designer and businesswoman, hanged herself with a scarf in an apparent suicide on Tuesday at a New York City apartment, a New York Police Department source told CNN.

The police have started investigating into the incident.

The police is considering it as an apparent suicide incident, reports said.

Spade was found by her housekeeper, hanged by a scarf she allegedly had tied to a doorknob, the second source told CNN.

A suicide note has been reportedly recovered from the scene.

Spade's husband also is referenced in the note, according to one of the sources quoted by CNN.

Along with her husband  Andy Spade, she had co-founded Kate Spade Handbags in 1993.

In her career, she had also once edited fashion magazine Mademoiselle.

Meanwhile, celebrities have expressed their shock over the death of the fashion designer.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton's daughter Chelsea Clinton tweeted: "My grandmother gave me my first Kate Spade bag when I was in college. I still have it. Holding Kate’s family, friends and loved ones in my heart."

Current US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka said: "Kate Spade’s tragic passing is a painful reminder that we never truly know another’s pain or the burden they carry. If you are struggling with depression and contemplating suicide, please, please seek help."

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