Martin Short and his family are continuing to mourn the loss of his eldest daughter, Katherine Short, who died in February 2026 at age 42. In the months since her death, the beloved comedian has spoken publicly for the first time about the tragedy, describing it as “a nightmare for the family” during a recent interview tied to his upcoming Netflix documentary Marty, Life Is Short.
“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” a representative for Martin previously told USA Today. “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.”
Learn what we know about Katherine’s heartbreaking death below.
How Many Kids Does Martin Short Have?
Martin is a dad of three. He adopted all three of his children, Katherine, Oliver and Henry, and shared them with his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died in 2010 following a battle with ovarian cancer.
What Happened to Katherine Short? Her Cause of Death
While the Short family initially did not publicly disclose how Katherine died, multiple outlets later reported that her death was ruled a suicide. TMZ reported that Katherine died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, citing her Los Angeles County Department of Public Health death certificate.
According to the outlet, Katherine was found dead at her Hollywood Hills, California, home on February 23, 2026. Law enforcement and emergency responders reportedly arrived at the residence shortly after 6:40 p.m. local time.
In May 2026, Martin spoke publicly about his daughter’s death for the first time, revealing that Katherine had struggled with severe mental health challenges, including borderline personality disorder, for years before her death.
What Did Katherine Short Do for a Living?
Unlike her father, Katherine was a Los Angeles-based licensed clinical social worker. She graduated from New York University in 2006, and he accompanied Martin to various red carpet events and other public outings throughout his career.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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