Cause of Death Released for Martin Short’s Daughter Katherine
Officials have confirmed that Katherine Hartley Short, the eldest daughter of actor Martin Short, died by suicide at age 42.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office announced on February 24 that her manner of death was determined to be suicide. The case remains open.
Hartley Short was found dead at her Hollywood Hills home on February 23. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department told USA TODAY that personnel responded to a reported shooting at approximately 6:41 p.m. at an address associated with Hartley Short and identified a deceased woman at the scene.
A Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson confirmed that officers responded to “a radio call of a possible suicide attempt” around 6:43 p.m. on February 23 and “found a deceased female at the location.”
Family Statement
Martin Short’s representative confirmed the death in a statement to USA TODAY on February 24.
“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” the statement read.
“The Short family is devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time,” the statement continued. “Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”
No additional details about the circumstances were released.
A Career in Mental Health
Hartley Short was a licensed clinical social worker based in Los Angeles. She graduated from New York University in 2006 and later earned a master’s degree from the University of Southern California School of Social Work in 2010.
During her graduate studies, she led group and individual therapy sessions for veterans diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. After completing her degree, she worked for four years at UCLA’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital.
In private practice, she specialized in adoption issues, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, grief and loss, suicidality and relationship difficulties. Her professional focus centered on helping individuals navigate complex emotional and psychological challenges.
Cast Skips Actor Awards in Solidarity
Martin Short and his Only Murders in the Building co-stars Selena Gomez and Steve Martin were absent from the 2026 Actor Awards on March 1, days after Katherine Hartley Short’s death.
Short, 75, was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series. The series was also nominated for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. Seth Rogen won the individual award, and the ensemble honor went to the cast of The Studio.
Gomez, 33, and Martin, 80, chose not to attend the ceremony at the Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles in solidarity with Short as he mourned his daughter’s death.
“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,” the family previously said in a statement. “Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”
The decision underscored the close bond among the Only Murders in the Building cast during a period of personal loss for Short and his family.
Family Background
Katherine Hartley Short was one of three children adopted by Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman. Short and Dolman also adopted two sons, Oliver Patrick and Henry Hayter.
Dolman died in August 2010 following a battle with ovarian cancer. In a 2019 appearance on “Conan,” Short said that none of his children pursued careers in show business, though he joked that “I pushed them. I wanted them to go into show business.”
The family has largely maintained privacy over the years, with Short occasionally speaking about his children in interviews.
Community and Public Reaction
News of Hartley Short’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences online, with many noting her work in the mental health field. Her death has also renewed conversations about mental health support and suicide prevention.
Authorities have not released further information about the investigation. The Short family has requested privacy as they grieve.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message when you text 741741.