Why Did Martin Short’s Daughter Katherine Short Take Her Own Life? Could Past Grief Be a Factor?

February 25, 2026 – Katherine Hartley Short, the 42-year-old daughter of Canadian actor and comedian Martin Short, tragically died on February 23, 2026. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed that her death was a suicide caused by a self-inflicted gunshot at her Hollywood Hills home.

A family representative released a statement expressing their deep sorrow: “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.”

Katherine Short’s Mental Health Journey

While the family has not publicly disclosed the exact reasons behind Katherine’s suicide, past events in her life may provide some context. In 2010, Katherine lost her mother, Nancy Dolman, to ovarian cancer. Martin Short previously shared in a 2012 interview with The Guardian that the death had a profound impact on all three of their adoptive children.

“It’s been a tough two years for my children… when it does you gain a little and you suffer a little,” Martin said, reflecting on the difficult period following Nancy’s passing.

Katherine’s grief over her mother’s death may have influenced her mental health in the long term, though it is unclear whether it directly contributed to her suicide. During her life, Katherine adopted a service dog named Joni to assist her with mental health challenges. She was also actively involved in mental health advocacy, using her experiences to help others cope with grief, anxiety, and depression.

Katherine Short’s Career and Achievements

Katherine Hartley Short was a licensed clinical social worker and a mental health advocate. She worked in private practice and part-time at Amae Health, a psychiatry-led clinic, providing psychotherapy, peer support, and community outreach. Previously, she spent over four years at UCLA’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital, specializing in crisis intervention and severe mental illness.

She also contributed to the charity Bring Change 2 Mind, which works to eliminate mental health stigma. Her work touched patients facing depression, anxiety, grief, loss, and suicidal thoughts.

Family and Education

Katherine was the eldest of Martin Short and Nancy Dolman’s three adopted children, with younger brothers Oliver Patrick Short and Henry Short. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006 and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2010.

Despite growing up in a high-profile Hollywood family, Katherine mostly kept her life private but occasionally attended events with her father, including the Vanity Fair Oscar Party and Kennedy Center Honours.

Remembering Katherine Hartley Short

Katherine Short’s sudden death has left her family and friends in deep mourning. Known for her compassion, dedication to mental health, and advocacy work, she will be remembered for the “light and joy she brought into the world.”