UPDATE: Katherine Hartley Short, the eldest daughter of acclaimed actor Martin Short, tragically passed away on February 23, 2026, at her home in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles. Authorities confirmed her death as a suicide by self-inflicted gunshot wound, with the Los Angeles Medical Examiner releasing details on February 24.
Emergency responders from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and Los Angeles Fire Department were dispatched to Katherine’s residence at approximately 6:41 p.m. PT following a 911 call reporting a suspected shooting or suicide. The caller, present at the scene but unable to access the bedroom, described a self-inflicted injury, leading first responders to discover the 42-year-old deceased upon arrival. Investigations are ongoing, but preliminary reports suggest no foul play was involved.
Katherine was a licensed clinical social worker, maintaining a low profile amid her father’s fame. She earned a master’s degree in social work from USC and had a psychology background from NYU. Her professional experience included work at UCLA’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital and the Camden Center, and she was actively involved in the anti-stigma mental health charity, Bring Change 2 Mind.
In a heartfelt statement, Martin Short’s family expressed their profound sorrow: “The Short family is heartbroken by this loss and requests privacy during this difficult time. Katherine was cherished by many and will be remembered for the brightness and happiness she brought to those around her.” Katherine is survived by her brothers, Henry (36) and Oliver (39), both adopted by Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2010. Katherine’s legacy is particularly poignant in the realm of mental health advocacy.
In response to this devastating news, Martin Short and co-star Steve Martin have postponed their sold-out shows of “The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short,” originally scheduled for February 28 in Minneapolis. Tickets will be honored for rescheduled dates.
This tragic event underscores the pressing issue of mental health in the U.S., where the CDC reports over 49,000 deaths by suicide in 2023, marking a 3% increase from previous years. Firearms were involved in 55% of these cases, reflecting the circumstances surrounding Katherine’s death. Women aged 25-44, like Katherine, are particularly vulnerable, with suicide rates among this group rising by 40% since 2000 due to factors such as untreated depression and life stressors.
Experts suggest that the high-pressure environment of Hollywood may exacerbate mental health vulnerabilities. Alarmingly, studies by the American Psychological Association (APA) reveal that mental health professionals themselves are at risk, with suicide ideation rates up to 15% higher than the general population. Katherine’s dedicated work in psychotherapy and peer support highlights the urgent need for improved access to mental health care.
Katherine Short’s untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the silent struggles faced by advocates and the urgent need for expanded mental health resources and stigma reduction. The grief felt by her family illuminates the broader impact of suicide, calling for compassion and immediate action. As the suicide statistics continue to rise, with projections indicating over 50,000 U.S. cases in 2026 without intervention, Katherine’s story resonates as a critical call to action.
Rest in peace, Katherine; your light endures and your legacy in mental health advocacy will not be forgotten.
