Katherine Short Cause of Death: Martin Short's Daughter Dies at 42
The entertainment world is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Katherine Hartley Short, the eldest daughter of comedy legend Martin Short, who was found dead at her Hollywood Hills home on the evening of Monday, February 23, 2026 ET.
Katherine Short Cause of Death Confirmed
Katherine Short died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, law enforcement sources confirmed. LAPD and the fire department responded to her Hollywood Hills home Monday, shortly after 6:40 PM PT, where she was found deceased.
Authorities confirmed her cause of death as suicide by self-inflicted gunshot wound. Katherine was a social worker and mental health advocate who stayed mostly out of the spotlight throughout her life.
The Short Family Statement
Martin Short's representative issued the following statement: "It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short. 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."
Who Was Katherine Short?
Born on December 3, 1983, Katherine Short received a bachelor's degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from NYU in 2006 and her master's in social work from USC in 2010.
During graduate school, she worked for Public Counsel and the West LA Veterans Administration. After graduating, she went to work at UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital, followed by Camden Center. Prior to her death, Katherine maintained a private practice as a licensed clinical social worker and also provided counseling and peer support at Amae Health.
She also worked with the charity Bring Change 2 Mind, an organization dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Katherine Short's Family
Katherine Elizabeth Short was the eldest of three children adopted by the Only Murders in the Building star and his late wife Nancy Dolman.
Dolman died on August 21, 2010, from ovarian cancer. She and Martin Short were married for 30 years. They also have two sons, Oliver Patrick Short, 39, and Henry Hayter Short, 36.
When Dolman died, Martin Short told the Guardian: "I believe Mom has zoomed into our souls."
A Second Devastating Loss for Martin Short
This is the second personal tragedy Short has experienced in the last several weeks, having recently paid tribute to his longtime friend Catherine O'Hara after she passed away last month.
It remains unclear if Martin Short, who is on the road alongside Steve Martin for the duo's "The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short" tour, will cancel or postpone the remainder of his appearances. An official announcement has not yet been made.
Katherine Short: A Life of Service
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Katherine Hartley Short |
| Date of Birth | December 3, 1983 |
| Age at Death | 42 |
| Education | BA, NYU (2006); MSW, USC (2010) |
| Career | Licensed Clinical Social Worker, private practice |
| Previous Roles | UCLA Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Camden Center, Amae Health |
| Advocacy | Bring Change 2 Mind (mental health stigma) |
| Survivors | Father Martin Short; brothers Oliver (39) and Henry (36) |
| Date of Death | February 23, 2026 ET |
| Location | Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles |
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
