Martin Short's daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, has died at age 42. Her death has been ruled a suicide. A rep for Martin confirmed Katherine's death in a statement to Us Weekly on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. "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," the statement read. "Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world." Here is what we know about her passing, her life and the family she leaves behind: Martin Short's Daughter Katherine Short's Cause of Death Revealed Family Confirms Katherine Short's Death A rep for Martin Short confirmed Katherine Short's death in a statement to Us on February 24, 2026. "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," the statement read. "Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world." No further details were shared by the family at the time of the initial announcement. Katherine was the only daughter of Martin and his late wife, Nancy Dolman. Martin and Dolman, who died in 2010 after a battle with ovarian cancer, adopted all three of their children - Katherine and sons Oliver and Henry. Katherine Short's Death Ruled a Suicide The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to Us that officers responded to a radio call of a possible suicide attempt in the Hollywood Hills on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 6:43 p.m. local time. LAPD's public information officer told Us that officers responded to "the 2800 block of Westshire Drive. Officers found a deceased female at the location." The Los Angeles Medical Examiner's Office later confirmed that Katherine Short's death had been officially ruled a suicide. Katherine Short Left a Note Before Her Death TMZ reported on February 26, 2026, that Katherine was found "behind a locked door and with a note nearby." Law enforcement sources told the outlet that Katherine was found by a friend after she hadn't been heard from for 24 hours. The unnamed friend was apparently quick to call the police. According to the 911 dispatch call, obtained by TMZ, the friend who called 911 was unable to enter the bedroom. Katherine Short's Life and Career Katherine Short, who mostly stayed out of the public eye, received her bachelor's degree from New York University in 2006 and her master's in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010. She worked as a licensed clinical social worker in Los Angeles and did part-time work at the Amae Health clinic, where she aided community outreach, family support groups, peer support and psychotherapy. Katherin was also involved with a nonprofit organization called Bring Change to Mind, which is dedicated to breaking stigmas surrounding mental health. While Katherine preferred to stay out of the spotlight, she attended a handful of events with her father, Martin Short, over the years, including the afterparty for The Producers in 2003 and the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in 2011. She was the only daughter of Martin and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died in 2010 after a battle with ovarian cancer. The couple adopted all three of their children - Katherine and sons Oliver and Henry. A rep for Martin confirmed Katherine's death in a statement to Us on February 24, 2026. "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," the statement read. "Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world." Why Katherine Short Changed Her Name Katherine Short filed to change her name to "Katherine Elizabeth Hartley" in October 2012, according to court documents obtained by Us. "My father is a public figure. I am a psychiatric social worker," Katherine explained of her reasoning in court documents. "I am concerned about potential harassment from future patients resulting from my association with my father." TMZ reported that her motion was granted in 2013, almost 13 years before her death. What Katherine Short's Neighbors Said After Her Death One of Katherine Short's neighbors exclusively told Us that Katherine gave "no indication of struggle" before she died. "Depression is often a silent and hidden killer," the neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous but shared they'd lived near Katherine for over 10 years, shared. "Katherine was a private person but that doesn't mean she wasn't friendly. She was quite outgoing," the neighbor noted, telling Us they'd sometimes "hear and see her laughing with friends" on her front porch. "She was a voracious reader and could talk deeply about the books she'd read," they added, noting that Katherine enjoyed nonfiction literature. "She had the nicest, most beautiful orange tree in her front yard.