Katherine Short, the daughter of actor Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, has died at the age of 42, a representative for Short confirmed on Monday. The cause of death was initially reported by TMZ as a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a call at her Hollywood Hills home on February 24.
“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” the representative said in a statement. “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.”
Katherine Short was the eldest of Martin and Nancy Dolman’s three children, too preceded in age by sons Oliver Patrick Short, 39, and Henry Hayter Short, 36, according to The Independent. Her death comes fifteen years after the passing of her mother, Nancy Dolman, who died of ovarian cancer in 2010.
Unlike her parents, Katherine Short did not pursue a career in entertainment. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006 and later received a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010, as reported by E! Online. She worked as a licensed clinical social worker, most recently at Amae Health, and previously at UCLA’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital and the Camden Center, a dual-diagnosis outpatient program.
Martin Short, 75, has not yet issued a public statement beyond the initial confirmation of his daughter’s death. Representatives for Short have not responded to requests for further comment, according to E! Online.
