The daughter of comedian Martin Short, Katherine Short, has reportedly taken her own life at the age of 42, according to TMZ. A rep communicated this brief message about the tragedy to the outlet. "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."
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Her cause of death, per law enforcement sources, was "a self-inflicted gunshot wound." Personnel from the fire department as well as the Los Angeles Police Department went to Katherine Short's home in the Hollywood Hills on February 23. It is not clear who called them or what may have led up to her death. Katherine was dead when they arrived.
She Led a Quiet, Private Life
Although her dad was highly recognizable from his television and movie roles, Katherine Short did not similarly seek the limelight. Per People, she was one of the Shorts' three adopted children. (Martin Short's wife, Nancy, passed away from ovarian cancer 16 years ago.) According to the outlet, "Katherine worked in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker and also part-time at the clinic, Amae Health, to provide community outreach, family support groups, peer support and psychotherapy."
Regarding her education, Katherine earned a bachelor's degree in 2006 from NYU, and a master's from USC in social work four years later.
Martin Short Has Spoken Movingly About the Devastating Loss of His Wife and Its Effect on His Family
In an interview 12 years ago with The Guardian, Short talked of his wife's passing. "It's been a tough two years for my children. 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."
Another Shocking Death Touched Him Recently
Actress Catherine O' Hara of Home Alone passed away on January 30 at the age of 71. She was a "longtime friend" of Short's, per TMZ.
