Katherine Hartley Short, the 42-year-old daughter of renowned actor and comedian Martin Short, has died, her family confirmed in an official statement on February 24, 2026. The family expressed deep sorrow at the loss of Katherine, who was found deceased at her Hollywood Hills home on Monday evening, February 23. Law enforcement sources said the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has called it a suicide.
Katherine Short operated a licensed clinical social work practice in Los Angeles where she provided professional services to clients who experienced anxiety and grief-related mental health difficulties. She worked in clinical practice while supporting Bring Change 2 Mind, which is a national nonprofit organisation that fights against mental illness stigma. Her colleagues observed that she dedicated herself fully to her work while making positive contributions to the community through her professional responsibilities and her advocacy work.
Martin Short and Nancy Dolman adopted Katherine as their first child in 1983 after adopting her two younger siblings. Dolman, who performed as an actress and singer, died from ovarian cancer in 2010. The surviving family members of Katherine include her father and her two younger brothers, Oliver and Henry.
The news of Katherine Short’s passing is a significant loss to both her family and the mental health community in which she played an important role. The work she performed and the advocacy efforts she conducted made a permanent impact on the people who worked with her in various capacities.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides support for people who need assistance through its 988 helpline. Take care of the mind.
