A heartbreaking loss has shaken the family of beloved comedian and actor Martin Short.
His daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, has died at the age of 42.
“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” the family said in a statement to PEOPLE. “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.”
On Monday evening, Feb. 23, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call from a Hollywood Hills residence at approximately 6:41 p.m. The Los Angeles County coroner later confirmed that Katherine died by suicide. The news was first reported by TMZ.
Katherine was adopted by Martin and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2010 after 30 years of marriage. The couple also adopted two sons, Oliver Patrick, 39, and Henry Hayter, 36.
While her father built a career in comedy and film, Katherine dedicated her life to helping others.
She worked in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker and also part-time with Amae Health, where she focused on community outreach, family support groups, peer support, and psychotherapy.
Katherine earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006. She later received her master’s in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010.
Though she largely stayed out of the spotlight, she occasionally appeared alongside her father at public events over the years, including Broadway afterparties and Hollywood award celebrations.
Friends say she was compassionate, thoughtful, and deeply committed to her work — someone who quietly made a difference in many lives.
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