Heartbreak struck the family of Martin Short this week after his daughter, Katherine, died Monday in what authorities have described as an apparent suicide. She was 42.
According to Page Six, a representative for the actor confirmed the news on Tuesday, sharing a brief statement on behalf of the family.
“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” the spokesperson said.
“The Short family is devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time. Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”
Emergency personnel were called to a Hollywood Hills residence Monday evening following a report of a shooting. Officials said a woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
“At 6:41 p.m., we responded to a reported shooting at that address,” the Los Angeles Fire Department told Page Six. “Death was reported of a female.”
Katherine was the adopted daughter of Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died in 2010 after three decades of marriage. The couple also adopted two sons, Oliver Patrick and Henry Hayter.
Although she remained largely out of the public eye, Katherine devoted her professional life to mental health work. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006 and went on to receive a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010.
She worked as a social worker in private practice and part-time with Amae Health, a psychotherapy outreach clinic. She was also involved with Bring Change 2 Mind, an organization focused on reducing stigma surrounding mental health.
Katherine occasionally appeared alongside her father at public events. Their most recent outing together was in 2023 for a celebration marking her 40th birthday at Grand Master Recorders in Hollywood.
She had previously attended a 2021 pre-Emmy event in West Hollywood, an after-party for the Los Angeles run of “The Producers” in 2003, and a charity function for Bette Midler’s New York Restoration Project in 2005.
The family has asked for privacy as they grieve the loss.
