The cause of Martin Short’s daughter Katherine’s death has been confirmed on her death certificate a week after her tragic death.
The deceased social worker died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to documents released Tuesday by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and obtained by TMZ.
The outlet said her death certificate also confirmed that she was cremated.
Catherine passed away by suicide on February 23rd at the age of 42.
“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” a rep for the “Only Murders in the Building” star confirmed to Page Six following Katherine’s death.
“The Short family is devastated by this loss and requests privacy at this time,” they added. “Catherine was loved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought to the world.”
The Los Angeles Fire Department also confirmed to Page Six that they “responded to a report of a shooting” and that “a female was reported deceased” at Kathryn’s Hollywood Hills address around 6:41 p.m.
Martin and his late wife Nancy Dolman adopted Katherine in 1982. The couple also adopted sons Oliver Patrick, 39, and Henry Hayter, 36, a few years before Nancy died of cancer in 2010 at age 58.
It’s unclear what kind of mental health issues the comedian’s eldest son had, but Duchess Kate reportedly adopted a service dog to help treat his mental illness in the years leading up to her death.
Law enforcement sources later told TMZ that Katherine, who legally changed her name to Katherine Hartley in 2012, was found dead behind a locked bedroom door, with a note and a gun nearby.
Her body was reportedly discovered after a close friend alerted authorities after a social worker “could not be reached for 24 hours.”
But Catherine’s neighbors pointed out that she never showed “any signs” that she was struggling with her mental health.
“Katherine was a private person, but that doesn’t mean she wasn’t friendly,” a neighbor told Us Weekly. “She was very sociable.”
Meanwhile, Martin has kept a low profile since his daughter’s tragic death.
The “Three Amigos” star has postponed a series of comedy shows with Steve Martin following Catherine’s death.
He was also absent from the SAG Actor Awards 2026 on Sunday night.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
