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💔 “OUR FAMILY IS DEVASTATED.” — Martin Short faces unimaginable heartbreak after daughter Katherine dies at 42 A shadow has fallen over one of comedy’s brightest names. Katherine Hartley Short, daughter of the beloved Only Murders in the Building star, died Monday in what has been described as an apparent suicide. She was 42. “It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” a representative shared, adding that the Short family is “devastated by this loss” and asking for privacy as they navigate the unimaginable. Those close to the family say Katherine was known for her warmth and the quiet light she carried into every room — a presence that meant everything to those who loved her. Now, tributes are beginning to surface, each one echoing the same message: she brought joy, and she will be deeply missed. Behind the laughter that made Martin Short a household name is a father mourning his child. Tonight, the spotlight feels painfully dim.

Martin Short’s daughter, Katherine, dead by apparent suicide at 42

Martin Short’s daughter, Katherine, died on Monday by an apparent suicide. She was 42.

“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” a rep for the “Only Murders in the Building” star confirmed to Page Six Tuesday.

“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.”

Martin Short and Katherine Elizabeth Short smiling at an event.

Martin Short’s daughter, Katherine (photographed above in 2011), died Monday at the age of 42.FilmMagic

Martin Short smiling and holding hands with Katherine Short on a red carpet.

“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” a rep for the actor told Page Six.Billy Farrell/BFA / Shutterstock

The social worker was reportedly found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound at her Hollywood Hills, Calif., home on Monday around 6 p.m. local time, per TMZ.

“At 6:41 p.m., we responded to a reported shooting at that address,” the Los Angeles Fire Department told Page Six, confirming they received a call to 911.

“Death was reported of a female.”

Martin Short and daughter Katherine Marcia pose together.

The statement read that Short (seen here in 2006) was “devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time.”WireImage

Martin Short and Katherine Short at Bette Midler's "HULAWEEN" Gala.

“Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world,” the rep continued.Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Katherine was the adopted daughter of the actor, 75, and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died from cancer in 2010.

Short and Dolman, who were wed for 30 years, also adopted sons Oliver Patrick, 39, and Henry Hayter, 36, together.

Katherine, meanwhile, graduated with her bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006, per People.

Actor Martin Short and his wife Nancy Dolan pose with their two young children, Katherine Elizabeth and Oliver Patrick, in a garden.

Katherine was the adopted daughter of Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman.Getty Images

Katherine Short, Henry Short, Nancy Short, Martin Short and Oliver Short attend the after party for the opening night of "Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me" at Tavern on the Green on August 17, 2006 in New York City.

Katherine (from left), the couple’s adopted son Henry Hayter, 36, Nancy, Martin and their other adopted son, Oliver Patrick, 39, pictured in 2006.Getty Images

Then, in 2010, she earned her master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California.

The businesswoman worked as a social worker for a private practice and part-time at the Amae Health clinic, an outreach group that provides psychotherapy, leading up to her death.

Additionally, Katherine was involved with Bring Change 2 Mind, a charity that strives to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

For the most part, Katherine has remained out of the spotlight, but has attended a few events with her famous father over the years.

Actor and comedian Martin Short posing with his daughter Katherine Elizabeth.

Katherine (photographed above in 1989) was a social worker.Getty Images

Martin Short speaking on a cellphone outside Grand Master Recorders.

Katherine was last publicly seen with her famous father for her 40th birthday in 2023.The Hollywood JR / BACKGRID

Their last public sighting was in 2023 for Katherine’s 40th birthday celebration at Grand Master Recorders in Hollywood.

Before then, the father-daughter duo stepped out together at a 2021 pre-Emmy bash hosted at the Kimpton La Peer Hotel in West Hollywood, Calif.

Short also brought Katherine to an after-party for the Los Angeles production of “The Producers” in 2003 and to Bette Midler’s New York Restoration Project in 2005.

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