Martin Short’s daughter, Katherine Elizabeth Hartley Short, has died aged 42.
Katherine’s death was confirmed in a statement to The Independent by a representative for Martin.
“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short. The Short family is devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time,” the statement read.
“Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”
According to TMZ, the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a call at Katherine’s home in the Hollywood Hills Monday evening, where she was found deceased.
The outlet reported that she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Independent has reached out to representatives for the LAPD for comment.
Katherine is the oldest of Martin and his late wife Nancy Dolman’s three adoptive children; the former couple is also parents to sons Oliver Patrick Short, 39, and Henry Hayter Short, 36. Dolman died in 2010 after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
“It’s been a tough two years for my children,” Martin told The Guardian shortly after his wife’s death. “This is the thing of life that we live in denial about, that it will ever happen to us or our loved ones, and when it does, you gain a little, and you suffer a little. There’s no big surprise.”
While Martin has not revealed many details about his daughter, she has made public appearances alongside him in the past, including the 2003 afterparty for The Producers, Bette Midler's New York Restoration Project “Hulaween” and the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in February 2011.
In 2006, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University before moving on to receive her master’s in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010.
Katherine worked at UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital for four years before working at the dual-diagnosis outpatient program Camden Center. She later worked in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker and also part-time at the clinic, Amae Health.
According to her website, Katherine was also involved with a charity called Bring Change 2 Mind, which aims to “empower young people to build connected, empathetic and supportive school communities where conversations about mental health are welcome and stigma-free.”
While Martin is currently on a two-man comedy-and-music tour with his Only Murders in the Building co-star, Steve Martin, it is unclear if he will be in attendance at their next show on Friday at the Miller High Life Theatre in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
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