Martin Short’s Daughter Katherine Discovered With Suicide ‘Note’ — After the Troubled 42-Year-Old Died From ‘Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound’

Katherine Short Found Dead With Suicide Note: A Tragic Loss

On the evening of Monday, February 23, 42-year-old Katherine Short, daughter of famed comedian and actor Martin Short, was found dead in her Hollywood Hills residence. Authorities discovered her body behind a locked bedroom door, accompanied by a gun and a suicide note. Emergency responders were alerted after a concerned friend, who had not heard from Katherine for over 24 hours, contacted them.

Los Angeles homicide detectives quickly ruled out any foul play, confirming that Katherine’s death was a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Chilling dispatch audio obtained from the scene reveals first responders labeling the incident as “self-inflicted” shortly after arriving.

The discovery of the note near her body adds a heartbreaking dimension to the tragedy, though the contents have not been publicly disclosed. Katherine’s death has sent shockwaves through her family, friends, and the community who knew her as a kind and gentle soul.

Katherine’s Battle With Mental Health and Past Struggles

Katherine Short was no stranger to mental health challenges. Over the years, she openly struggled with her emotional well-being and sought help multiple times. Friends and neighbors recall that she had checked herself into rehab and inpatient mental health facilities during particularly difficult periods.

A neighbor shared, “Katherine pretty much kept to herself. She had been sick, struggling with some sort of physical illness. She must have been in so much anguish to have done this. It’s just so sad.” This sentiment was echoed by Rande Levine, founder of Karma Rescue, a dog charity where Katherine served on the board. Levine described Katherine as someone who would often say, “I won’t be around, I’m going away,” before checking into treatment centers to regain her strength.

Despite her struggles, Katherine was known for her warmth and humor. Levine recalled, “She always was smiling, always a pleasure to be around. Every experience or connection I had with Katherine was always positive. She was so soft-spoken. She was calm, she laughed a lot.”

Katherine’s openness about her mental health journey was also evident in her relationship with her service dog, Joni. Named after singer Joni Mitchell, Joni was a constant companion who helped Katherine manage her mental illness for over five years. On her professional website, which has since been deleted, Katherine wrote fondly about Joni, describing her as “an absolute sweetheart” who loved people and often accompanied her in the office.

The Impact on Family and Public Tributes

The news of Katherine’s death was confirmed by a representative for Martin Short, who expressed the family’s profound grief. “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.”

Katherine was the adopted daughter of Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who passed away from cancer in 2010. The couple also adopted two sons, Oliver Patrick and Henry Hayter. Though Katherine maintained a relatively private life away from the public eye, she occasionally appeared at events with her father. Their last public outing was in 2023, celebrating her 40th birthday at Grand Master Recorders in Hollywood.

Neighbors and friends continue to pay tribute to Katherine’s gentle spirit. Many remember her as a kind, soft-spoken individual who faced immense challenges with courage and grace. Her passing serves as a somber reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support.

Conclusion

The tragic death of Katherine Short, daughter of Martin Short, highlights the devastating impact of mental health struggles and the urgent need for compassion and understanding. If you or someone you know is battling emotional distress, remember that help is available. Reach out to mental health professionals, support groups, or trusted loved ones. Together, we can break the stigma and offer hope to those in need. For more stories and resources on mental health, stay connected with our updates.