Cause of death released for Martin Short's daughter Katherine, 42
Cause of death released for Martin Short's daughter Katherine, 42
KiMi Robinson, USA TODAYWed, February 25, 2026 at 2:23 AM UTC
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Officials have confirmed how Katherine Hartley Short, Martin Short's eldest daughter, died at 42 years old.
Hartley Short was found dead at her home on Feb. 23. The next day, on Tuesday, Feb. 24, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office confirmed the licensed clinical social worker's manner of death was determined to be suicide. The case remains open.
A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department previously told USA TODAY on Feb. 24 that around 6:41 p.m. on Feb. 23, personnel "responded to a reported shooting" at a Hollywood Hills address associated with Hartley Short and identified a deceased woman.
1 / 0A look at Martin Short's family, including late daughter Katherine
Martin Short's family is grieving after the actor's daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, died at age 42.
"The Short family is devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time," Short's representative said in a statement to USA TODAY on Tuesday, Feb. 24. "Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world."
No further details surrounding Short's death were shared. Scroll through for photos of the comedian with his family through the years, starting with his wife Nancy Dolan and kids, Katherine Elizabeth and Oliver Patrick in 1989 Los Angeles.
A Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY that officers responded to "a radio call of a possible suicide attempt" on Hartley Short's block around 6:43 p.m. on Feb. 23 and "found a deceased female at the location."
Short's representative previously confirmed Hartley Short's death to USA TODAY in a Feb. 24 statement. "It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short," the statement read.
"The Short family is devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time," the statement continued. "Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world."
Martin Short's therapist daughter Katherine's work
Katherine Short poses with her brothers Henry (second from left) and Oliver Short (right), and their parents Nancy Dolman Short (middle) and Martin Short in 2006.
Short's daughter graduated from New York University in 2006 and obtained her master's degree from the University of Southern California School of Social Work in 2010.
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She was a licensed clinical social worker operating a private practice in Los Angeles and specialized in adoption, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, grief and loss, suicidality, and relationship difficulties.
While studying for her Master of Social Work, Hartley Short led group and individual therapy sessions for veterans diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Afterward, she worked at UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital for four years.
1 / 0Passages 2026 – Eric Dane, Robert Carradine, more stars we lost
"Revenge of the Nerds" and "Lizzie McGuire" actor Robert Carradine died Monday, Feb. 23, by suicide after living for two decades with bipolar disorder, his brother Keith Carradine confirmed to Deadline. He was 71. "In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon [of] light to everyone around him," the family said in a statement. Carradine starred as Bob Younger in "The Long Riders" alongside his actor brothers Keith and David, as Private Zab in "The Big Red One," and dorky underdog Lewis Skolnick in his breakout role, 1984's "Revenge of the Nerds," as well as its three sequels. Two decades later, he would go on to play Sam McGuire, dad to Hilary Duff in Disney Channel's "Lizzie McGuire."
Her mother, Short's late wife Nancy Dolman, died in August 2010 following a battle with ovarian cancer.
Speaking on "Conan" in 2019, Short revealed none of his children wanted to go into show business though "I pushed them. I wanted them to go into show business."
Short and Dolman also had two sons, Oliver Patrick and Henry Hayter. They welcomed all three of their children via adoption.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Martin Short's daughter Katherine's cause of death is released
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