Martin Short’s Daughter Katherine Short’s Death Certificate Reveals Cause of Death

Katherine Short, the daughter of actor Martin Short, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to a death certificate released by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

The death certificate confirms reports that emerged last week following the discovery of Short’s body at her Hollywood Hills home. Los Angeles Police Department officers and Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene, where she was pronounced dead.

Short, 42, had legally changed her name to Katherine Hartley in 2013, a decision reportedly made to distance herself from her father’s celebrity and avoid unwanted attention from clients during her work as a social worker. According to the Los Angeles Times, she had expressed concern about potential harassment.

The death certificate likewise indicates that Short was cremated following her death. A note was found at the scene, though its contents have not been publicly disclosed.

A close friend of Short told reporters that her behavior leading up to her death appeared normal and that she had not exhibited any outward signs of suicidal ideation. However, the Los Angeles Times reported that Short had previously discussed her struggles with mental health.

Martin Short has been deeply affected by his daughter’s death, canceling scheduled comedy shows with Steve Martin and withdrawing from the Actors Awards, where he was nominated for Outstanding Male Actor in a Comedy Series.

Short is survived by her father and two brothers, Oliver and Henry. Her mother, Nancy Dolman, died of ovarian cancer in 2010.

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