Heartbreak In Hollywood Hills: Martin Short Mourns Daughter Katherine'S Tragic Passing

A Shocking Loss in the Hollywood Hills

Katherine Short, cherished daughter of beloved entertainer Martin Short and his late wife Nancy Dolman, has tragically passed away at the age of 42. The somber news broke when law enforcement sources confirmed that Katherine died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at her Hollywood Hills residence. First responders from the LAPD and fire department rushed to the scene just after 6:40 p.m. PT on Monday.

In a heartfelt statement, a representative for Martin Short expressed the family's profound grief: “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.”

A Life Dedicated to Helping Others

Born on December 3, 1983, Katherine Short carved her own path far from the limelight her father enjoyed. She pursued her education with dedication, earning a bachelor's degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from NYU, followed by a master's degree in social work from USC. Her career as a social worker in Los Angeles saw her making significant contributions at UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital and the dual-diagnosis outpatient program at the Camden Center.

Katherine's passion for mental health advocacy was evident in her work with the nonprofit Bring Change To Mind, where she actively fought to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Despite her father's Hollywood fame, Katherine maintained a life centered around service and compassion, stepping into the public eye only occasionally alongside her father at events.

Family and Legacy

The Short family has faced devastating losses in recent years, with Katherine's passing following the death of Martin's longtime friend, Catherine O'Hara, just weeks ago. Katherine is survived by her younger brothers, Henry and Oliver Short, who now mourn the loss of their beloved sister.

Martin Short, scheduled to perform a sold-out show with Steve Martin in Minneapolis this Saturday, faces uncertainty over proceeding with the performance during this difficult time. Short and Nancy Dolman, who met during a 1972 production of Godspell and married in 1980, experienced the heartache of losing Nancy to ovarian cancer in 2010.

Reflecting on the past challenges, Short once shared, “It's been a tough two years for my children. This is the thing of life that we live in denial about, that it will ever happen to us or our loved ones, and when it does you gain a little and you suffer a little. There's no big surprise.” In this moment, the Short family seeks solace in the memories and love shared, honoring Katherine's life and the light she brought to their world.