Martin Short’s Daughter Worked in Mental Health Before Her Death by Suicide—Her Father Is ‘Devastated’
Jason Pham
Martin Short‘s daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, has died. She was 42.
The Short family confirmed Katherine’s death in a statement to People on February 24, 2026. “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,” the statement read.
What was Martin Short’s daughter’s cause of death?
The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed to People that it responded to a call from a home in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, at 6:41 p.m. regarding a female approximately 41 years old, who was found deceased. The LAFD also confirmed that the call was regarding a possible suicide.
Katherine was adopted by Martin and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died of ovarian cancer in 2010. The couple also shared two other children via adoption, sons Oliver Patrick and Henry Hayter.
Before her death, Katherine was involved with the nonprofit organization Bring Change to Mind, which works to combat stigmas around mental health issues. She also worked in a private practice as a licensed clinical social worker and part-time at the clinic Amae Health to provide community outreach, family support groups, peer support and psychotherapy.
Katherine received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006. She also earned her master’s in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010.
While Katherine has mainly stayed out of the spotlight, she was last photographed with her father at the West Hollywood restaurant Craig’s in 2020, according to TMZ. She also attended a few events with her father throughout the years, including an afterparty for the movie The Producers in 2003 and the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in 2011.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available. Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free and confidential counseling.
