Katherine Hartley Short, a clinical social worker based in the Hollywood Hills, died Monday evening at her home in what authorities have described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. She was 42.
Emergency responders were dispatched to her residence shortly after 6:40 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department, which confirmed the death of an adult female at the scene. Audio from a 911 call later reported by media outlets indicated that first responders believed the wound appeared to be self-inflicted. No further details have been released.
Katherine was the adopted daughter of Martin Short and his late wife Nancy Dolman, who died from cancer in 2010. The couple also adopted two sons, Oliver Patrick and Henry Hayter.
A representative for Short confirmed her death in a statement. “It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” the statement read. “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.”
Katherine earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Gender Sexuality Studies from New York University in 2006. She later completed a master’s degree in social work at the University of Southern California.
In the years before her death, she had spoken publicly about living with mental illness and the role her service dog played in supporting her. On her professional website, which has since been taken offline, she wrote about her dog Joni, named after singer Joni Mitchell.
“Joni is my incredible service dog, who has been assisting me with my own struggles with mental illness for the past 5 years,” she wrote. “Joni will often be in the office with me, cuddled up on her bed. She is an absolute sweetheart and just LOVES people, so don’t be surprised if she greets you with a smile, a wagging tail… and maybe even a kiss.”
Katherine operated a private practice and specialized in areas including anxiety, psychotic disorders, and borderline personality disorder. Prior to opening her practice, she worked in psychiatric hospitals and outpatient programs serving veterans, low-income families, and foster youth.
She was also involved with Bring Change 2 Mind, an organization focused on ending the stigma surrounding mental health.
Though she largely stayed out of the public spotlight, Katherine occasionally accompanied her father to events. Their last public appearance together was in 2023, when they were seen celebrating her 40th birthday in Hollywood.
Martin Short, whose career spans more than four decades across television, film and stage, is currently known for his role in the Hulu series Only Murders in the Building alongside Steve Martin and Selena Gomez.
Reel 360 News extends our condolences to the Shorts.
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