Cause of death confirmed for Martin Short's daughter Katherine

Entertainment Weekly • February 26, 2026 • entertainment

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Katherine Short, eldest child of comedian Martin Short, died by suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head on February 23 at her residence in the Hollywood Hills, according to Los Angeles Medical Examiner records.
Martin Short's representative confirmed Katherine's death at age 42, expressing the family's devastation and requesting privacy while remembering her for the joy she brought to others.
Katherine was adopted by Martin Short and his late wife Nancy Dolman, and she held degrees in psychology, gender sexuality studies, and social work, having worked as a licensed clinical social worker and in mental health outreach.
Her career included roles at UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital, the Camden Center, and part-time work at Ama