Martin Short’s daughter Katherine’s cause of death at 42 is confirmed eight days after tragic passing

The cause of death for Katherine Hartley Short, the daughter of actor Martin Short, has been revealed.

According to her Los Angeles County Department of Public Health death certificate, obtained by TMZ, Katherine died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. 

The document also notes that she has been cremated.

Katherine, 42, was discovered inside her Hollywood Hills home last Monday after authorities responded to the residence. 

The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed she was found behind a locked door, with a firearm and a note recovered at the scene. 

At this time, the contents of the note have not been made public.

Law enforcement sources told TMZ that Katherine had not been heard from for roughly 24 hours before a concerned friend contacted police. 

Officers ultimately forced their way past the locked door before discovering her body.

Homicide detectives who responded to the scene determined there were no signs of foul play, according to the report.

A close friend told TMZ that Katherine’s behavior in the days leading up to her death appeared normal and that she had not shown any signs she might harm herself.

The devastating loss has reportedly left her father reeling. 

TMZ reported that Short has been ‘inconsolable’ since his daughter’s sudden death and has largely retreated from the public eye.

The 75-year-old comedian has canceled several comedy performances with longtime collaborator Steve Martin and also skipped the Actors Awards, where he had been nominated for Outstanding Male Actor in a Comedy Series.

Katherine was the eldest child of Short and his late wife, actress Nancy Dolman. 

The couple adopted Katherine along with their sons Oliver, 39, and Henry, 36. Dolman died in 2010 at age 58 after a battle with ovarian cancer.

A graduate of the University of Southern California, Katherine held a master’s degree and worked as a licensed clinical social worker.

She was also involved with a mental health charity.

Friends later told the Daily Mail that Katherine had privately struggled with difficult personal challenges, though she was widely admired for her compassion and dedication to helping others.

She was last publicly seen with her father in 2023 when they celebrated her 40th birthday at Grandmaster Recorders in Hollywood. 

The gathering included a number of well-known friends, such as Catherine O’Hara, Joni Mitchell, Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn.

Since news of her death broke, several of Short’s close friends have reportedly visited him at his Los Angeles home to offer support.

Among those said to have paid their respects are Steven Spielberg, Eugene Levy and longtime television bandleader Paul Shaffer.

Insiders also told the Daily Mail that Short’s Only Murders in the Building co-stars Meryl Streep and Steve Martin are among those rallying around him during the heartbreaking time.

A source close to the family told the Daily Mail that ‘this is as much of a horror to Martin and his sons, her brothers, as humanly possible.’

The insider added, ‘For someone who brings so much joy to so many, who is always trying to lift others up and make them laugh, this loss has completely shattered him. He is gutted, and as you would expect, his closest friends are surrounding him with love and support.’

In a statement provided to the Daily Mail, representatives for the Short family confirmed the tragic news.

‘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.’