If you’ve ever sat through the soul-crushing experience of watching the documentary Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father, you know the name Kate Bagby. She’s the woman whose resilience felt almost superhuman in the face of a tragedy that most people can’t even wrap their heads around. After the credits rolled on that film, many viewers were left with a lingering, heavy question: is Kate Bagby still alive, and how on earth does someone move forward after all that?
Honestly, it’s a question that comes from a place of deep empathy. We saw her lose her only son, Andrew, to a senseless murder, and then lose her grandson, Zachary, in an even more unthinkable way.
The Current Status of Kate Bagby
As of 2026, Kate Bagby is still alive. While she and her husband David have largely stepped back from the intense public spotlight they inhabited during the mid-2000s, they haven't disappeared. They still reside in California, specifically in the Gilroy area, where they moved years ago to be closer to their roots after their harrowing time in Newfoundland.
It's worth noting that some online searches for "Kathy Bagby obituary" lead to a different woman from Kansas who passed away in 2022. That was a different nurse and advocate. Our Kate—Kathleen Daphne Bagby—is originally from Chatham, England, a detail that explains that distinct, steady British accent you hear in the documentary. She’s now in her mid-80s, having been born in April 1941.
👉 See also: Why Taylor Swift People Mag Covers Actually Define Her Career Eras
Why We Still Talk About Her
You’ve probably noticed that true crime stories usually end when the trial does. But Kate Bagby’s story didn't. She became a symbol of a very specific kind of strength. After Shirley Turner killed herself and baby Zachary in 2003, Kate and David didn't just crawl into a hole. They got angry.
They channeled that rage into changing the Canadian legal system.
For years, Kate was a fixture in the fight for "Zachary’s Bill" (Bill C-489). Basically, the law was designed to make it harder for people accused of serious crimes to get bail if they posed a risk to children. When it finally passed in 2010, it was a bittersweet victory. It wouldn't bring their boys back, but it meant another grandmother might not have to watch her grandson walk into a danger zone sanctioned by a judge.
✨ Don't miss: Does Emmanuel Macron Have Children? The Real Story of the French President’s Family Life
A Life Defined by More Than Grief
Kate was a nurse practitioner in obstetrics and gynecology before her life was upended. That background in caregiving is likely what kept her going. Even in the depths of her mourning, she was known for being the "practical" one.
- Advocacy work: She spent years volunteering for foster children and helping other parents of murdered children.
- The "Normal" Struggle: She and David eventually reached a point where they could celebrate Christmas again—something they hadn't done for nearly a decade after Zachary died.
- Legacy: She remains the steward of Andrew’s memory, ensuring that people remember him as the gifted doctor and friend he was, not just a victim.
Life Away From the Camera
People often wonder if she’s still "okay." It’s a complicated word. In interviews, David has mentioned that the rage never really goes away; it just sits under the surface. Kate has always been more reserved, but she’s frequently described as the "rock" of the family. They still have their friends—many of whom appeared in the documentary—and they remain a united front.
They’ve lived a quiet life in Gilroy, a town known more for its garlic than its tragedies. They chose a bungalow, unpacked their lives, and tried to find a version of peace that doesn't involve courtrooms or news cameras.
🔗 Read more: Judge Dana and Keith Cutler: What Most People Get Wrong About TV’s Favorite Legal Couple
What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a common misconception that the Bagbys are still living in Newfoundland or that they are perpetually stuck in that 2008 timeframe when the movie came out. In reality, they returned to California long ago. They aren't "celebrities" in the traditional sense, and they don't treat their trauma as a brand.
Another thing? People often forget how much of a "regular" person Kate is. She likes her garden. She cares about her community. She’s a woman who survived the worst thing possible and decided that the world wasn't allowed to break her completely.
Actionable Insights for Supporters
If you are one of the many people moved by Kate Bagby’s story, there are actual things you can do rather than just wondering about her wellbeing.
- Support Bail Reform: Keep an eye on local legislation regarding bail and child safety. The Bagbys fought for this in Canada, but the conversation is ongoing globally.
- Donate to Scholarship Funds: There are various medical scholarships set up in Andrew Bagby’s name at Memorial University of Newfoundland and other institutions. Supporting these helps continue the work he was never able to finish.
- Watch and Share "Dear Zachary": The best way to honor Kate’s journey is to ensure the story stays told, reminding the legal system that "the best interests of the child" must be more than just a phrase.
Kate Bagby’s life serves as a brutal but necessary reminder that survival isn't about "getting over" something. It’s about carrying it. As of today, she continues to carry that legacy with a quiet, fierce dignity that remains as inspiring as it was the day we first met her on screen.