Martin Short’s daughter Katherine cause of death at 42 is confirmed eight days after tragic passing

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Katherine Short, the daughter of actor Martin Short, has died, and the cause of her death has now been made public.

I was so saddened to learn of Katherine’s passing. Reports confirm, through her official death certificate from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, that she tragically died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. It’s a heartbreaking loss, and my thoughts are with her loved ones.

The document also notes that she has been cremated.

Authorities found Katherine, age 42, at her home in the Hollywood Hills last Monday.

Police in Los Angeles confirmed the woman was discovered behind a locked door, along with a gun and a note. Authorities have not yet released the details of what the note said.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m hearing some truly upsetting news. Apparently, a friend hadn’t heard from Katherine for about a day and grew worried enough to call the police. When officers went to check on her, they had to enter her home and sadly, they found her. It’s a heartbreaking situation, and my thoughts are with everyone affected.

Detectives investigating the death found no evidence of a crime, the report stated.

According to a close friend who spoke with TMZ, Katherine seemed completely normal in the days before she passed away and gave no indication she was considering self-harm.

The devastating loss has reportedly left her father reeling. 

TMZ says Short is devastated by his daughter’s unexpected passing and has been avoiding public appearances.

I’m absolutely gutted! My idol, the legendary comedian who’s 75 years young, has been canceling shows with Steve Martin – Steve Martin! – and then he didn’t even go to the Actors Awards, even though he was nominated! Can you believe it? He deserved that award so badly, and I’m just heartbroken he wasn’t there. I’m seriously worried about him.

Katherine is the oldest child of Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who was an actress. Short and Dolman also adopted Katherine’s two brothers, Oliver, now 39, and Henry, 36. Dolman passed away in 2010 at the age of 58 after fighting ovarian cancer.

Katherine earned a master’s degree from the University of Southern California and worked as a licensed clinical social worker.

She was also involved with a mental health charity.

Everyone always saw Katherine as this incredibly kind and giving person, and she truly was! But my friends, people who knew her really well, confided in me that she was going through some really tough stuff privately. It was heartbreaking to hear, honestly, because she always put everyone else first and seemed so strong while dealing with it all. It just makes her dedication to helping others even more amazing, knowing what she was battling behind the scenes.

The last time she was seen in public with her father was in 2023, when they celebrated her 40th birthday at Grandmaster Recorders in Hollywood.

The event was attended by several famous faces, including Catherine O’Hara, Joni Mitchell, Kurt Russell, and Goldie Hawn.

After news of her passing, several of Short’s friends have been visiting him at his home in Los Angeles to offer comfort.

Steven Spielberg, Eugene Levy, and Paul Shaffer, a well-known television bandleader, were among those who reportedly paid their respects.

Sources told the Daily Mail that Steve Martin and Meryl Streep, Short’s co-stars on Only Murders in the Building, are offering him support following this difficult time.

Someone close to the family said the comedian is devastated, telling the Daily Mail that Martin and his sons, along with her brothers, are experiencing unimaginable grief.

Someone who always brings happiness to others and tries to cheer people up is understandably devastated by this loss. He’s heartbroken, and his close friends are there to support him during this difficult time.

The Short family confirmed the sad news in a statement to the Daily Mail.

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 will always remember how she brightened up people’s lives.

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2026-03-03 23:51