Heartbreaking Loss: Martin Short'S Daughter Katherine Dies At 42

Tragic Passing of Katherine Short

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Katherine Short, the eldest daughter of beloved comedian Martin Short and his late wife Nancy Dolman, has passed away at the young age of 42. According to law enforcement sources, Katherine died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at her Hollywood Hills residence on Monday evening. Emergency services, including the LAPD and fire department, arrived at the scene shortly after 6:40 p.m. PT.

“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,” a representative for Martin Short stated.

Life and Legacy of Katherine

Born on December 3, 1983, Katherine Short was a woman of many talents and passions. After earning her bachelor's degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from NYU, she pursued a master's degree in social work from USC. Her career in social work was marked by meaningful contributions at UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital and the Camden Center dual-diagnosis outpatient program. Katherine was also a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness, actively participating in the nonprofit Bring Change To Mind.

Despite her father's fame, Katherine chose a life away from the public eye, making rare appearances at events alongside her family. She leaves behind her younger brothers, Henry and Oliver Short, who, along with the rest of the family, face the immense challenge of coping with this profound loss.

A Family Grieves Once More

This tragic event comes on the heels of another sorrowful loss for Martin Short, who recently mourned the death of his longtime friend Catherine O'Hara. With a sold-out show scheduled this Saturday in Minneapolis alongside Steve Martin, it remains uncertain if Martin Short will take the stage amid this personal turmoil.

Martin Short and Nancy Dolman's love story began in 1972 during a production of Godspell, leading to their marriage in 1980. Nancy's passing in 2010 from ovarian cancer left a lasting impact on the family, as Martin once shared with The Guardian, reflecting on the hardships his family has endured in recent years.

He poignantly noted, "It's been a tough two years for my children. This is the thing of life that we live in denial about, that it will ever happen to us or our loved ones, and when it does you gain a little and you suffer a little. There's no big surprise.”