Martin Short’s daughter Katherine Short, 42, found dead at Hollywood Hills home

martin short’s daughter Katherine Short, a 42-year-old Los Angeles social worker, was found dead at her Hollywood Hills home on Monday; the family said they are devastated and asked for privacy.

Found at about 6 p. m.; family issues statement

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to Katherine Short’s Hollywood Hills residence on Monday at about 6 p. m., and paramedics pronounced her dead shortly after. "It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short, " the family 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. "

Medical examiner: cause listed as gunshot wound of the head

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that Katherine Short’s place of death was listed as her residence and that the cause was determined to be a "gunshot wound of [the] head, " with the manner of death ruled suicide. A law enforcement source described the death as an apparent suicide.

Martin Short postpones tour dates

After news of Katherine Short’s death, Martin Short postponed multiple shows on his joint comedy tour with longtime collaborator Steve Martin. Venue notices said performances in Milwaukee and Minneapolis were delayed; one Milwaukee venue posted that tickets will be honored for a future rescheduled date. The co-stars had been scheduled to perform in Minneapolis on Feb. 28 and had a Milwaukee stop originally listed for a Friday date; the next scheduled tour date without a postponement notice is March 13 in Washington, D. C.

Katherine Short’s work, education and charity involvement

Katherine Short earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender studies from New York University in 2006 and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010. She operated a private practice and worked part-time at the psychiatry-led outpatient clinic Amae Health, providing community outreach, peer support and psychotherapy. She was also involved with the charity Bring Change 2 Mind, whose mission is to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness.

Family background and recent losses

Katherine was the eldest of three children Martin Short adopted with his wife Nancy Dolman; the couple married in 1980 after meeting in the early 1970s while working on a Toronto production of the rock musical "Godspell. " Nancy Dolman died of ovarian cancer in 2010 at age 58. Katherine and her younger brothers have been identified in public photos as Henry and Oliver; in one photo caption Katherine was named Katherine Elizabeth and a sibling listed as Oliver Patrick. Katherine’s full name also appears in family statements as Katherine Hartley Short.

Katherine Short’s death comes less than a month after the death of Catherine O’Hara, a close friend and longtime collaborator of Martin Short’s; O’Hara died of a pulmonary embolism after privately battling rectal cancer. The two comedians remembered O’Hara during a recent stop on the tour, with Martin Short saying of their long friendship, "In all these years later, she has been the greatest, most brilliant, kindest, sweetest angel. " From "SCTV" to "Best in Show" to "Schitt’s Creek, " he has left a mark on his roles.

Help is available

This story discusses suicide. In the United States, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 or by calling 800-273-TALK. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted at 116 123. In Australia, Lifeline is available at 13 11 14.

Martin Short is scheduled to continue dates on the joint tour with Steve Martin once the postponed shows are rescheduled; the next tour date listed without a postponement notice is March 13 in Washington, D. C.