Martin Short's Only Daughter Dies at 42 – What Happened

A devastating discovery just before sunset left a comedy legend and his family shattered beyond words. What unfolded inside the hillside residence on Monday evening has sent shockwaves through fans everywhere.

Martin Short's daughter, Katherine Short, has died at the age of 42. According to TMZ, she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Law enforcement sources told the outlet that officers with the Los Angeles Police Department and members of the fire department responded to her home in the Hollywood Hills shortly after 6:40 p.m. on Monday. She was found deceased at the scene in what quickly became a heartbreaking tragedy.

A Family Devastated by Unimaginable Loss

A representative for the family confirmed her passing in a statement to TMZ, saying the family is overwhelmed with grief, devastated by the loss, and asking for privacy as they navigate this painful time. The grieving father also shared a message on Facebook, laying bare his broken heart in an emotional tribute that stunned fans.

He wrote, "It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of our beloved daughter, Katherine Hartley Short. There are no words for the depth of this loss. Our family is devastated, and we ask for privacy as we grieve this unimaginable heartbreak. Katherine was the light of our lives full of warmth, kindness, and a joy that touched everyone she met. That light will never fade in our hearts. Forever loved. Forever our daughter."

Katherine was the eldest child of Martin and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died in 2010 from ovarian cancer — another profound loss that deeply affected the family.

A Life Marked by Compassion and Quiet Strength

Katherine earned her bachelor's degree from New York University before going on to receive a master's degree in social work from the University of Southern California. Dedicated to helping others, she worked as a social worker in Los Angeles and was involved with Bring Change To Mind, a nonprofit focused on ending the stigma surrounding mental health.

When news of her passing spread online, messages of sorrow and support poured in from across the internet, as strangers and supporters alike tried to comfort a father facing the unimaginable pain of losing a child.

One person wrote, "The loss of a child is the most heartbreaking experience one will ever have. Condolences & love to you, and to all who loved Katherine." Another said, "I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Katherine. Sending love and hugs."

One commenter added, "What a beautiful young lady. Hearts and warm hugs go to you and your family during this difficult time." Another shared, "My heart is breaking for you and your family, may you find strength in the love that surrounds you."

A netizen stated, "Love, hugs & positive thoughts for you and yours. May happy memories help you cope. This is a grief no parent should have to endure."

Private Struggles Behind a Compassionate Smile

Further details have emerged about Katherine's life in the years before her death. According to Page Six, she had a service dog to help her manage mental illness.

On her since-deleted professional website, she shared a photo and description of the dog, Joni, named after singer Joni Mitchell, offering a glimpse into the private battles she faced while continuing to help others.

She wrote, "Joni is my incredible service dog, who has been assisting me with my own struggles with mental illness for the past 5 years."

"Joni will often be in the office with me, cuddled up on her bed." Katherine continued, "She is an absolute sweetheart and just LOVES people, so don’t be surprised if she greets you with a smile, a wagging tail…and maybe even a kiss."

The tender description paints a portrait of a woman navigating her own mental health challenges while dedicating her life to supporting others — a reality that makes her death all the more poignant.

Inside the 911 Call

Additional details about the emergency response have been reported by the Daily Mail, which obtained a 911 call connected to the incident.

In the recording, a Los Angeles Fire Department dispatcher told first responders that the wound was described as "self-inflicted." The dispatcher also stated that the person who made the call had been "with the patient and unable to enter the bedroom" of the Hollywood home.

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed to the Daily Mail that crews responded to a call at the address but declined to identify the person involved due to privacy concerns.

Echoes of an Earlier Heartbreak

Her passing follows the earlier loss of her mother, Nancy, whose death deeply affected the family. In a 2019 interview, Martin reflected on his wife's death after nearly 30 years of marriage.

He said, "Our marriage was a triumph. So, it's tough. She died in 2010, but I still communicate with her all the time. It's 'Hey, Nan,' you know? How would she react to this decision or that, especially regarding our three kids."

He went on to explain that he believes when someone dies, they draw even closer to the people who love them. He rejected the idea that death simply marks an end or that loved ones should stop speaking about those they have lost, suggesting that such thinking comes from a fear of confronting mortality. To him, his wife remains present in his life in a meaningful way.

He added that experiencing true tragedy can make a person more courageous. In his view, profound loss carries a duality — a darkness that is inseparable from a strange, clarifying strength that can emerge in its wake.

In another interview, Martin also spoke about the impact of Nancy's death on their children. He shared, "It's been a tough two years for my children."

He also reflected that people tend to live in quiet denial, convincing themselves that devastating loss will never reach their own family. He explained that when tragedy does strike, it brings both growth and suffering, which is a painful but inevitable part of life that forces you to confront realities you once tried to ignore.

As the Short family faces another profound loss, tributes continue to highlight Katherine Short’s work, her compassion, and the lasting impact she had on those around her.