Martin Short's Daughter Katherine Short: Cause of Death Revealed in Heartbreaking Tragedy
Published on February 25, 2026 by Kishwar Khan
The entertainment world is reeling from the tragic news of Katherine Short's death, the eldest daughter of beloved comedian Martin Short. At just 42 years old, Katherine Elizabeth Short passed away in her Hollywood Hills home, leaving fans and family alike in shock. Reports confirm that Katherine Short's cause of death was suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as detailed by authorities.![](grok_render_searched_image_card_json={"cards":[{"cardId":"3431be","imageId":"0","size":"LARGE"}]})
Katherine, often referred to as Katherine Hartley Short, lived a life largely out of the public eye, unlike her famous father. She was a dedicated social worker and mental health advocate in Los Angeles, focusing on helping others navigate their struggles. This makes her untimely death even more poignant, highlighting the often hidden battles many face with mental health.
Martin Short, known for his roles in hits like "Only Murders in the Building," has faced profound losses before. His wife, Nancy Dolman, died in 2010 after battling ovarian cancer. Together, they adopted three children: Katherine, Oliver, and Henry. The family released a statement saying, "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." [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["44ace4"]})
This shareable quote captures the essence of Katherine's impact on those around her. In light of this tragedy, it's crucial to remember resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for anyone struggling.
Influencer Reactions and Threads on X
The news has sparked discussions across social media. Here's a thread from a notable account sharing insights:
This is awful. Martin Short's daughter Katherine, 42, was found dead in her Hollywood Hills home. Authorities confirmed her cause of death as suicide by self-inflicted gunshot wound. Katherine was a social worker and mental health advocate. “Mental health advocate”
— Spitfire (@RealSpitfire) February 24, 2026
Another post highlights her service dog for mental health support: [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["025b41"]})
Martin Short’s daughter, Katherine, had service dog to assist with ‘mental illness’ in years prior to death The social worker died from an apparent suicide on Monday. https://pagesix.com/2026/02/24/celebrity-news/martin-shorts-daughter-katherine-had-service-dog-to-assist-with-mental-illness/
— NahBabyNah (@NahBabyNahNah) February 24, 2026
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