Martin Short’s daughter Katherine had not ‘been heard from in 24 hours’ before she was found dead

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More information has come to light about the recent suicide of Martin Short’s daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, who was 42 years old.

I was absolutely heartbroken to hear the news. It’s been confirmed that she passed away at her home in the Hollywood Hills on Monday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The LAPD confirmed the details, and honestly, it’s just devastating.

Police sources say she hadn’t been in contact for a full day before a friend reported her missing.

TMZ reports that authorities found her body after breaking down a locked door. A note and a gun were found nearby.

Detectives investigating Katherine’s death have determined it wasn’t a case of foul play, according to law enforcement sources.

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Short and the LAPD for comment.

Katherine was a licensed clinical social worker with a master’s degree from USC, and she dedicated her time to a mental health charity.

Friends shared with the Daily Mail the private and painful difficulties Katherine faced before her tragic death.

The last time she was seen in public with her father was at her 40th birthday party in 2023. The celebration took place at Grand Master Recorders in Hollywood and was attended by a group of friends including Catherine O’Hara, Bo Welch, Joni Mitchell, Kurt Russell, and Goldie Hawn.

Katherine was adopted by Short and his sons, Oliver, 39, and Henry, 36. He and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, raised them together. Nancy sadly passed away in 2010 at the age of 58 after fighting ovarian cancer.

People are visiting James Short, 75, at his home in Los Angeles to support him after the recent, upsetting news.

I was so touched to see so many familiar faces paying their respects. It really showed how widely loved this person was – even legends like Steven Spielberg, Kurt Russell, and Eugene Levy were there. And Paul Shaffer, the musical director from David Letterman’s show, was there too, which just goes to show the breadth of people who admired them.

According to sources who spoke with the Daily Mail, Steve Martin and Meryl Streep, who both star with Short on ‘Only Murders in the Building,’ are also close friends offering him support during this time.

According to a source, Short was devastated by Katherine’s death. They said the loss was incredibly painful for Martin and his sons, who were Katherine’s brothers.

According to a source close to the family, the loss has been devastating for him. Despite being known for bringing happiness to others and always cheering people up, he’s completely heartbroken. His friends are offering him all the love and support he needs during this difficult time.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has finished Katherine’s autopsy and her body has been released, according to the Daily Mail.

Katherine Short’s family has confirmed her passing, according to a statement given to the Daily Mail this Tuesday.

We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Katherine Hartley Short. Her family is heartbroken and asks that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.

Everyone who knew Katherine loved her, and she’ll be fondly remembered for the happiness she shared with others, the statement said.

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2026-02-27 20:09