Katherine Short Cause of Death: Martin Short's Daughter Dies at 42

Katherine Hartley Short, the eldest daughter of comedy legend Martin Short, has died at the age of 42. The Short family confirmed her passing on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, following a devastating discovery at her Hollywood Hills home the night before.

Katherine Short Cause of Death Confirmed

Law enforcement sources confirmed Katherine died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. LAPD and the fire department responded to her Hollywood Hills home on Monday, shortly after 6:40 PM PT, where she was found deceased.

The family issued a formal statement in the wake of her death: "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?

Katherine Short was one of three children adopted by Only Murders in the Building star Martin Short and his late wife, actress Nancy Dolman. Born on December 3, 1983, she 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 grad 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 had a private practice where she worked as a licensed clinical social worker.

A Life Dedicated to Mental Health Advocacy

Katherine was involved with a nonprofit organization called Bring Change to Mind, which works to break down stigmas connected to mental health issues. The profound irony of a mental health advocate and licensed clinical social worker being lost to suicide has resonated deeply across the entertainment community and beyond.

While her father is obviously very famous, Katherine mostly stayed out of the public eye, attending a few events with her father throughout the years. She was the eldest of Short's three children. Her surviving brothers are Henry Short, 36, and Oliver Short, 39.

Martin Short's Recent Personal Losses

This is the second personal tragedy Short has felt in the last several weeks, having recently paid tribute to his longtime friend Catherine O'Hara after she passed away last month. Katherine's mother, Nancy Dolman, died of ovarian cancer in 2010 after 30 years of marriage to Martin Short.

Martin Short's Upcoming Shows in Question

It is 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. Shows were scheduled for Friday in Milwaukee and Saturday in Minneapolis.

Key Facts

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also chat at 988lifeline.org.