Comedian David Spade and designer Kate Spade attend a gallery exhibition of photographer Slim Aarons' work curated by Kate Spade on February 16, 2006 in Los Angeles, California.
Comedian David Spade and designer Kate Spade attend a gallery exhibition of photographer Slim Aarons' work curated by Kate Spade on February 16, 2006 in Los Angeles, California.
Matthew Simmons/Getty Images
CNN  — 

Actor David Spade shared a warm Christmas memory in a tribute to sister-in-law Kate Spade, who was found dead Tuesday in her New York City apartment of an apparent suicide.

“Fuzzy picture but I love it,” Spade wrote late Tuesday in an Instagram post, sharing a picture of him and the late designer. “Kate and I during Christmas family photos. We had so much fun that day.”

RELATED: Celebrities pay tribute to Kate Spade

Kate Spade married David Spade’s brother, Andy, in 1994, one year after they started fashion brand Kate Spade New York together.

Asking for help

The suicide rate in the United States has seen sharp increases in recent years. It’s now the 10th leading cause of death in the country, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Studies have shown that the risk of suicide declines sharply when people call the national suicide hotline: 1-800-273-TALK

  • There is also a crisis text line.
  • The lines are staffed by a mix of paid professionals and unpaid volunteers trained in crisis and suicide intervention. The confidential environment, the 24-hour accessibility, a caller’s ability to hang up at any time and the person-centered care have helped its success, advocates say.

    “She was so sharp and quick on her feet,” Spade added in his tribute. “She could make me laugh so hard. I still can’t believe it.”

    Kate and Andy Spade sold 56% of the brand to Neiman Marcus for $33.6 million in 1999. Liz Claiborne acquired the company in 2007, the same year Spade left her namesake brand.

    RELATED: Kate Spade is the 3rd high-profile designer in recent years to die by suicide

    The luxury fashion company Coach announced it was purchasing the company for $2.4 billion last year.

    Kate and Andy Spade had one daughter together.

    “It’s a rough world out there people, try to hang on,” David Spade added.