Martin Short & Family React To The Death Of His 42-Year-Old Daughter

Martin Short and his family shared a statement after the death of his 42-year-old daughter, Katherine Short.

“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” reads a statement from the Short family shared by People. “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.”

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call from a Hollywood Hills home at 6:41 p.m on Monday, Feb. 23. The LAPD confirmed to TMZ that the call was regarding a suicide.

Katherine was the oldest of the Only Murders in the Building actor’s three children whom he adopted with wife Nancy Dolman. Short and Nancy also adopted Oliver Patrick, 39, and Henry Hayter, 36. Nancy died of ovarian cancer in 2010.

Per People, Katherine worked in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker and also part-time at the clinic.

Short made a rare comment about life after the death of his wife in a 2019 interview with AARP. “Our marriage was a triumph,” he said. “So it’s tough. She died in 2010, but I still communicate with her all the time. It’s ‘Hey Nan,’ you know?” How would she react to this decision or that, especially regarding our three kids.”

“I believe that when people die, they zoom into the people that love them. The idea that it just ends, and don’t speak of them — that’s wrong….to me, she’s still here,” the Canadian actor said.