Katherine Short, one of the three adopted children of comedian Martin Short, star of the hit series Only Murders in the Building, has died. She was 42.

A representative for Martin's family issued a statement on her death on Feb. 25. It read: “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. Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world."

Hollywood star Martin Short and daughter Katherine (Image courtesy of Entertainment Tonight)

According to the Hollywood Reporter, law enforcement sources told TMZ that Katherine died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, with the LAPD responding to her Hollywood Hills home shortly after 6:40 p.m. on Monday.

Katherine Short, born in December 1983, demonstrated exceptional intelligence from an early age. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006, followed by a master’s in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010.

After receiving her master’s degree, Katherine joined UCLA’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital, as highlighted on her website and reported by People. She worked there for four years before moving on to new professional opportunities.

As of December 2025, People reported that Katherine was working in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker. She was also active with the charity Bring Change to Mind, which is dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health among young people.

According to US Weekly, another popular entertainment website, Martin said he was more than proud of what his children were accomplishing in an interview with The Guardian in 2012.

“My son Henry has just been backpacking around Europe. My son Oliver works at Warner Bros., and my daughter Katherine is a social worker.”