Martin Short mourns the death of his daughter Katherine Hartley Short who died by suicide at her Hollywood home in Los Angeles

Hollywood is mourning a heartbreaking loss as Katherine Hartley Short, daughter of beloved comedian Martin Short, died by suicide at the age of 42.

The Daily Mail obtained the 911 call from the Los Angeles Fire Department, which confirms that first responders were alerted to a self-inflicted wound in Katherine’s Hollywood home.

The dispatcher noted that the caller had been with Katherine but could not enter her bedroom.

The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed that crews responded around 6:41 p.m. on Monday, but declined to provide further personal details out of respect for privacy.

On Tuesday, Martin Short’s representatives confirmed the family’s devastating loss and asked for privacy during this profoundly difficult time.

Remembering Katherine Hartley Short

Katherine, a licensed clinical social worker with a master’s degree from the University of Southern California, was deeply loved by her family.

The statement from Short’s team said, “Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”

She had last appeared publicly with her father in 2023 while celebrating her 40th birthday at Grand Master Recorders in Hollywood, an event attended by friends and celebrities including Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Catherine O’Hara, Bo Welch, and Joni Mitchell.

A Family Shaped by Love and Loss

Martin Short and his late wife Nancy Dolman adopted Katherine along with her brothers Oliver and Henry.

Nancy passed away in 2010 after a battle with ovarian cancer, ending a 30-year marriage with Short.

Short has spoken candidly about the pain of losing his wife and the challenge of guiding his children through grief.

In interviews over the years, Short reflected on how tragedy shaped his resilience.

“With real tragedy, you become a little more daring,” he told AARP magazine, framing life’s hardships as a balance of light and dark.

In his memoir, he described Nancy’s death as “by far the most awful thing I’ve been through” but emphasized that grief can teach strength and determination.

Early Life Lessons in Grief

Short’s life has been touched by loss from a young age.

Born in March 1950 in Hamilton, Canada, to Irish and English immigrant parents, he was the youngest of five siblings.

He endured the death of his oldest brother David in a car accident when Short was just 12, and later lost both parents before turning 20.

Despite these early tragedies, Short has repeatedly credited these experiences with giving him perspective, courage, and emotional resilience.

He has often said that learning to navigate grief early in life gave him the “muscles” to face challenges, both personal and professional.

“I do think, in a weird way, it did make me braver as a performer,” he told reporters, noting that it allowed him to take risks on stage and screen without fear of judgment.

Career Triumphs Amid Personal Heartache

Short has built a celebrated career in comedy, stage, and television.

He has frequently collaborated with longtime friend Steve Martin, most recently starring together in the hit Disney Plus series Only Murders in the Building.

Throughout his professional journey, Short has balanced remarkable success with profound personal grief, often drawing on his life experiences to fuel his performances.

Short met Nancy Dolman in 1972, and they married in 1980.

Five years later, Nancy retired from showbusiness to focus on their family, supporting Short as he continued to rise in Hollywood.

The Personal Perspective on Loss and Love

Despite decades of loss, including the recent passing of Katherine, Short has emphasized the importance of memory and connection.

He has often quoted George Eliot, saying, “Our dead are never dead to us until we have forgotten them.”

For Short, remembering his loved ones has remained a vital part of honoring their presence in his life.

What’s Next

The Short family is currently mourning privately.

Mental health professionals and grief counselors often note that families affected by suicide benefit from compassionate support and time to process trauma.

Public memorials and tributes for Katherine may be organized in the future, but for now, the family has requested space to grieve away from the spotlight.

For fans, colleagues, and the entertainment community, the loss is a solemn reminder of the importance of mental health awareness, open conversations about grief, and supporting loved ones through challenging times.

Summary

Katherine Hartley Short, 42-year-old daughter of comedian Martin Short, died by suicide in her Hollywood home.

She was a licensed clinical social worker and beloved member of the Short family.

Martin Short, who endured the death of his wife Nancy Dolman in 2010 and the loss of his parents and brother at a young age, now faces the devastating grief of losing a child.

The Short family has asked for privacy while they mourn, highlighting the deeply personal nature of this tragedy.

Katherine’s life and legacy will be remembered by her family, friends, and all who knew the joy she brought into their lives.

This moment also serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health support, grief awareness, and community care.