Katherine Short's Death Ruled a Suicide

Only Murders co-stars skipped Actor Awards in solidarity with her father

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The cause of death for Martin Short's eldest child, Katherine, has been formally ruled a suicide. A Los Angeles County death certificate shows the 42-year-old died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head at her Hollywood Hills home, where police and firefighters responded last week and found her behind a locked door. A note was recovered at the scene, though its contents have not been made public.

Why it matters

Katherine's death has deeply impacted her father, actor Martin Short, who has canceled shows and withdrawn from public appearances. Her co-stars from the TV show Only Murders in the Building, Selena Gomez and Steve Martin, also skipped a major awards show in solidarity with Short.

The details

Katherine, who worked in social services and changed her last name to Hartley in 2013 for professional privacy, seemed like her usual self before her death according to a friend. However, she had previously spoken about mental health challenges. Police and firefighters responded to her Hollywood Hills home last week and found her behind a locked door, where she had died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

  • On March 4, 2026, Katherine Short's death was formally ruled a suicide.

The players

Katherine Short

Martin Short's 42-year-old eldest child who worked in social services and died by suicide.

Martin Short

The famous actor and comedian who is Katherine Short's father.

Selena Gomez

Katherine Short's co-star on the TV show Only Murders in the Building, who skipped an awards show in solidarity with Martin Short.

Steve Martin

Katherine Short's co-star on the TV show Only Murders in the Building, who skipped an awards show in solidarity with Martin Short.

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The takeaway

This tragic loss highlights the importance of addressing mental health challenges and providing support for those struggling, even among the rich and famous. Katherine's death has deeply impacted her loved ones, underscoring the ripple effects of suicide and the need for greater awareness and resources around this issue.