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Martin Short and his family are mourning an unimaginable loss.
Katherine Hartley Short, the beloved adopted daughter of the legendary comedian, has died at 42. According to TMZ, her death was the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Los Angeles Police Department reportedly responded to an emergency call at her Hollywood Hills home Monday evening shortly after 6 p.m.
In a heartbreaking statement, the Short family confirmed the news. “It is with deep grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” their spokesperson shared. “The Short family is devastated by this loss and requests privacy during this difficult time. Katherine was cherished by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought to the world.”
Katherine was adopted by Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died of ovarian cancer in 2010. Alongside her brothers, Oliver and Henry, she grew up largely outside of the spotlight despite her father’s decades-long Hollywood career.
A graduate of New York University and the University of Southern California, Katherine built a meaningful career as a social worker. She trained at the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center and worked at UCLA’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital and the Camden Center. Though she kept a low public profile, she occasionally appeared at major industry events with her family, including the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this devastating time.
