Katherine Hartley Short, 42, the eldest daughter of actor Martin Short, was found dead Monday evening at her home in the Hollywood Hills. A family representative confirmed her death and asked for privacy as relatives and friends begin to mourn. Los Angeles police and firefighters responded to the residence, and authorities have opened an investigation.
Local outlets report that first responders were dispatched after a call about a possible shooting and that the death is being treated as an apparent suicide, according to the Los Angeles Times. TMZ published emergency dispatch audio indicating crews reached the home shortly after 6:40 p.m., with a caller telling responders they could not get into a bedroom.
Short built a career far from the spotlight her father knows so well. Trained as a clinical social worker, she earned a bachelor's degree from New York University and a master's in social work from USC in 2010, then worked in private practice and at clinics including UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital and the Camden Center, as detailed by Forbes. She also joined outreach and anti-stigma efforts with mental health advocacy groups such as Bring Change 2 Mind.
Authorities and coroner's finding
The Los Angeles County medical examiner has listed the manner of death as suicide, and the case remains open, the coroner told PEOPLE. Investigators say they are still reviewing the scene and have held back additional details while relatives are notified.
Tour dates and public response
In recent months, Martin Short has been on the road with longtime collaborator Steve Martin in a two-man show. Their next date had been scheduled for Friday at Milwaukee's Miller High Life Theatre, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The Pabst Theater Group told local media the Milwaukee show has been postponed and that ticket holders will be updated, per local coverage from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via Yahoo.
Short was the eldest of three children adopted by Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, and is survived by her younger brothers, Oliver and Henry, the family said. Dolman died of ovarian cancer in 2010; relatives have again requested privacy as they grieve, according to PEOPLE.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org for 24/7 support. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
