Katherine Short, Daughter of Martin Short, Dies at 42
Katherine Hartley Short, the 42-year-old daughter of actor martin short, was found dead at her Hollywood Hills home on Monday in what law enforcement described as an apparent suicide. The family issued a statement saying they are devastated and asking for privacy.
Death and immediate response
The LAPD and the fire department responded to Short's Hollywood Hills home on Monday, shortly after 6: 40 p. m. PT (9: 40 p. m. ET), where she was found deceased. A law enforcement source said she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Official family statement
A representative for the family said: "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. "
Medical, education and work
Katherine Short was a social worker in Los Angeles. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006 and a master’s in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010. Her work included time at UCLA’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital and for the dual-diagnosis outpatient program Camden Center, work in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker, and part‑time roles at a clinic providing community outreach, peer support and psychotherapy.
Charity involvement and public profile
Short was involved with charities aimed at mental health awareness. She was connected with a nonprofit called Bring Change To Mind and with Bring Change 2 Mind, organizations described as working to break down stigmas connected to mental health issues and to empower young people to build connected, empathetic and supportive school communities where conversations about mental health are welcome and stigma-free. She largely kept out of the public eye, attending a few events with her father over the years; she was last seen in January 2020 outside Craig’s restaurant in West Hollywood.
Family background and survivors
Katherine Hartley Short was the eldest of three children adopted by Martin Short and his then wife, Nancy Dolman. She was born on Dec. 3, 1983. Survivors include her younger brothers, Henry and Oliver. Nancy Dolman first met Martin Short in 1972 when they worked together on a production of Godspell; the couple married in 1980. Dolman died in August 2010 after a battle with ovarian cancer; she was 58. Media accounts have described Dolman as Martin Short’s wife of 30 years.
Martin Short tour schedule
martin short is currently on a two‑man comedy and music tour with his longtime friend and co‑performer Steve Martin. Shows had been scheduled for Friday in Milwaukee and Saturday in Minneapolis. Theatre staff said it was unclear whether the shows would take place; one published report listed the Friday show at the Miller High Life Theatre in Milwaukee as postponed. In recent weeks, martin short had also paid tribute to his longtime friend Catherine O’Hara after she passed away last month.
Timing and published notices
One published item on the story carried the timestamp Feb. 24, 2026, 12: 43 p. m. ET. Details in initial reports described the discovery on Monday evening—one account said she was found around 6 p. m. local time—while another specified the response shortly after 6: 40 p. m. PT (9: 40 p. m. ET).
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
Katherine Hartley Short’s death is under active review by authorities. The family has asked for privacy as they grieve.
