Credit: Alamy
Authorities Issue Cause Of Death Update After Martin Short’s Daughter Found Dead
Authorities have issued a cause of death update on Martin Short’s daughter, who was found dead at her home in California.
Short’s adopted daughter, Katherine, a social worker who lived life largely away from the public eye, has died aged 42.
A spokesperson for the family told TMZ: “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.”
Who is Martin Short?
Martin Short is a Canadian-born comedian, actor, and writer best known for sketch comedy on SCTV and Saturday Night Live.
He also landed roles in films like Three Amigos!, Father of the Bride, and won multiple Emmys and a Tony Award.
As of recently, the star has been on a comedy tour with longtime friend and co-star Steve Martin, called The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short.
However, several upcoming shows have now been postponed, following the tragic death of his daughter on Monday (February 23).
Short was married to Canadian actress Nancy Dolman, Katherine’s mom, from 1980 until her death in 2010.
They met in the early 1970s while performing in a musical together, adopted three children, and he has described their marriage as a ‘triumph.’
Dolman died at age 58 after a battle with ovarian cancer, and Short has often spoken about how deeply her loss affected him and how he still feels connected to her memory.
In a 2012 interview with The Guardian, Martin said: “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.”
Who was Katherine Short?
The 42-year-old worked as a social worker in Los Angeles after receiving her bachelor’s degree from NYU, and her master’s in social work from USC several years later.
She was also involved with a nonprofit organization called Bring Change To Mind, which focuses on reducing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges, which she, herself, struggled with.
Mental health battles
In the years leading up to her death, its understood that Katherine had a service dog to assist with her ‘mental illness’ in the years prior to her heartbreaking death.
In a since-deleted post on her website, she wrote: “Joni is my incredible service dog, who has been assisting me with my own struggles with mental illness for the past five years.
“Joni will often be in the office with me, cuddled up on her bed.
“She is an absolute sweetheart and just LOVES people, so don’t be surprised if she greets you with a smile, a wagging tail…and maybe even a kiss.”
Tragic 911 call
The LAPD and the fire department responded to Katherine’s Hollywood Hills home on Monday, shortly after 6:40 p.m. local time, where she was pronounced dead.
The 911 call made on Monday, prior to emergency services arriving at the scene, has been released.
The Los Angeles Fire Department responder claimed that the person who called authorities was ‘with the patient and couldn’t get into the bedroom.’
“Death was reported of a female,” the department spokesperson commented.
The 911 call also revealed the social worker’s cause of death.
Katherine Short’s cause of death
Authorities have confirmed that Katherine’s death has been ruled as a s**cide, initiating renewed discussions about mental health and the pressures that can remain hidden behind public lives.
Authorities later confirmed that Katherine died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and that no criminal involvement is suspected.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National S**cide Prevention Lifeline in the USA at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
In the UK, the Samaritans are available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, emailing [email protected], or heading to the website to find your nearest branch.
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