Kathleen O'Rourke was heartbroken when she was told she had miscarried. No little bother/sister for her little daughter Tammy. No new baby. It was a horrible feeling. But Kathy was also feeling something else; sick. She still had all the symptoms that occur during pregnancy. Could the doctors have made a mistake? Could she still be pregnant? She went back to her doctor to find out.
The results were bitter-sweet. She discovered that she had been carrying twins and sadly, had lost one of them, a boy. The good news was that she was still pregnant after all with a little girl. On December 27th, 1975, in San Deigo, California that little girl was born. They named her Heather Michele (Michele after her father, Michael). She was a beautiful baby, and of course, everyone loved her.
The family later moved to the near by town of Santee, where a very young Heather began to show great talent for performing. At the age of three, she won a local talent competition and began to sing and dance on stage with and without her older sister, Tammy.
At young age of four, Heather began to appear on Mattel Toy products. She then, at the age of five, made her television debut an a 1981 edpisode of the show "Fantasy Island". Afterwards, she went on to appear in many commercials.
Heather's big break came when Tammy had landed a role in the movie "Pennies From Heaven". During the filming breaks Heather, Tammy and their mother would eat lunch in the MGM cafeteria. This is where the angelic-looking Heather caught the eye of director Steven Speilberg. It just so happened that Speilberg was doing casting for his next film "Poltergeist" and was considering Drew Barrymore to play the part of Carole-Anne Freeling. That all changed when he saw this little girl. He knew right away that she would be perfect for the part.
Speilberg got his wish and Heather came in for a screen test. She failed, due to the fact that she laughed at a stuffed animal instead of pretending to be frightened, but despite that she still got the part. There was just something about her.
Poltergeist was the movie that started Heather's career. She has always been remembered for saying the words "They're heeere".
When Poltergeist was over with, Heather went on to appear in more commercials, TV specials, many TV shows, and even two more Poltergeist movies.
During the filming of Poltergeist III in 1987, Heather fell ill with what was thought to be the flue and later diagnosed as Chrone's Diesease. She was given medication which made her cheeks puffy (Something she was rather embarassed about).
Heather's final day was on February 1st, 1988. As usual, she awoke for school, and went to the kitchen for breakfast. Her mother thought it wasn't a good idea for Heather to go to school, because she didn't look well. She attempted to eat some toast, but had trouble swallowing. Her fingers began to turn blue and she fainted. Emergency personelle came quickly, and by that time Heather had regained conscienceness. She said she was fine and that she wanted to go to school. She vomited while being taken to the ambulence and apologized to her mom, who wasn't in the least concerned about the mess, but about her daughter. Kathleen reassured Heather and told her she loved her. Heather replied "I love you too". Those were her last words.
On the way to the hospital, she suffered cardiac arrest. Sadly, on the operating table, 12 year old Heather passed away. Her family, friends, and fans were devistated to hear the news.
The cause of her tragic death was an intestal blockage that had caused her small intestine to burst and overwhelmed her with infection which was followed by septic shock. Doctor's who had told her she had Chron's diesease had been mistaken. She most likley had the blockage since birth and they failed to detect it.
Kathy filed a law suit and won. Rightfully so.
The funeral was held on February 5th, 1988. 4 days after her death. She was burried in Westwood Memorial Cemetary alongside other celebrities. Today, people still visit her grave to show their respects, leave flowers, letters and other things and to remember her life.
Words that would describe this amazing little girl are talented, sweet, modest, kind, innocent, loving and most defanitly unforgetable.

Rest in peace, angel
You will not be forgotten

Heather Michelle O'Rourke
December 27, 1975 - February 1, 1988
Forever in our hearts