The chief medical examiner of New York City confirmed on June 18, 2026, that Kendal Ascher, the senior vice president of Estée Lauder, died from a pulmonary embolism caused by a cosmetic injection. Ascher, 56, died in February while in his husband William Howe's arms at their New York City apartment. He reportedly felt lightheaded while showering before collapsing. Examiners ruled the death as accidental.
The investigation revealed that the cosmetic fillers led to a pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a blood clot obstructs blood flow to the lungs. Howe stated that Ascher was unresponsive and died shortly after collapsing. He was unaware of any recent cosmetic filler treatments prior to Ascher's death, although they had received Botox together five months earlier.
Cosmetic fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to restore facial volume. Dr. Kenneth Mark, a specialist in Botox and fillers, suggested that Ascher's filler may have been accidentally injected into a blood vessel. He noted that fatalities from facial fillers are rare and typically associated with larger volume injections, such as fat in the buttocks. It is advised to seek treatment from board-certified plastic surgeons using FDA-approved products.
Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Estée Lauder’s executive vice president, described Ascher as passionate and full of life, highlighting his positive impact on colleagues and partners.