Katherine Short, daughter of celebrity Martin Short, dies at 42 in Hollywood Hills home
Katherine Hartley Short, the eldest adopted daughter of Canadian comedian and actor Martin Short, has died at age 42, her family confirmed Tuesday.
Emergency responders were called to Short’s Hollywood Hills home shortly after 6:40 p.m. on Monday, February 23, after receiving reports of a shooting. The Los Angeles Fire Department and Los Angeles Police Department both responded to what authorities described as a possible suicide attempt. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.
On February 24, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office determined her manner of death to be suicide. Law enforcement sources said she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The case remains open.
“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” a representative for Martin Short said in a statement. “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.”
Born December 3, 1983, Katherine Short was adopted by Martin Short and his late wife, actress Nancy Dolman. Katherine earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender studies from New York University in 2006 and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010.
A licensed clinical social worker, she operated a private practice in Los Angeles, specializing in adoption issues, anxiety, depression, grief, suicidality and relationship challenges. She previously worked at UCLA’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital and with outpatient mental health programs, and was involved with Bring Change 2 Mind, a nonprofit focused on ending the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Though not part of the entertainment industry, she was occasionally seen accompanying her father to public events. Martin Short and Nancy Dolman adopted three children — Katherine, Henry and Oliver — during their 30-year marriage. Dolman died in 2010 after battling ovarian cancer.
Katherine Short’s death comes during an already emotional period for her father, who is still mourning the loss of longtime friend and collaborator Catherine O’Hara. Martin Short is currently on a national comedy tour with buddy Steve Martin and is nominated for an upcoming acting award for his role in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building.
Martin Short’s upcoming schedule included a tour stop in Milwaukee on Friday and an awards ceremony this weekend. But following the tragic death of his daughter, the comedian postponed dates for his tour with longtime friend and collaborator Steve Martin.
The comedy duo’s Feb. 27 show at Milwaukee’s Miller High Life Theatre for The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short tour and two shows at the Orpheum Theatre on Feb. 28 in Minneapolis have been pushed back. “Due to unforeseen circumstances, Steve Martin & Martin Short’s show, originally scheduled for Friday, February 27th in Milwaukee, has been postponed,” reads a message on the Milwaukee theatre’s website. ~ Yahoo! Entertainment News
~
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.
~
Rest in Peace Katherine Hartley Short
~
(Sources: CBC, Hollywood Reporter, USA Today, Los Angeles Times)
(Cover photo, image credit: X)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
Follow Richard on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
