Martin Short’s daughter Katherine’s cause of death has been confirmed in her death certificate, one week after her tragic passing.
The late social worker died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to the document released by the Los Angeles County Dept of Public Health on Tuesday and obtained by TMZ.
Her death certificate also confirmed that she’s been cremated, per the outlet.
Martin Short’s daughter Katherine (pictured here with the comedian at an Oscars party in February 2011) died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. FilmMagic
The late social worker (pictured here with her famous father in January 2008) died by suicide on Feb. 23 at the age of 42.
Katherine died by suicide on Feb. 23 at the age of 42.
“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” a rep for the “Only Murders in the Building” star confirmed to Page Six after Katherine’s death.
“The Short family is devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time,” they added. “Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”
The Los Angeles Fire Department also confirmed to Page Six that they had “responded to a reported shooting” at Katherine’s Hollywood Hills address at approximately 6:41 p.m. and “death was reported of a female.”
The LAFD confirmed to Page Six that they “responded to a reported shooting” at Katherine’s Hollywood Hills address (pictured here) at 6:41 p.m. on Feb. 23. 4CRNS, WCP / BACKGRID
The “Only Murders in the Building” star’s daughter was reportedly found dead behind a locked bedroom door at her Hollywood Hills home (pictured here) with a “note” and a gun nearby. 4CRNS, WCP / BACKGRID
Martin and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, had adopted Katherine in 1982. The couple also adopted sons Oliver Patrick, 39, and Henry Hayter, 36, years before Nancy’s death from cancer in 2010 at 58.
Although it remains unclear what mental troubles the comedian’s eldest child suffered from, it was reported that Katherine had picked up a service dog to assist with her 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.
Martin and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, adopted Katherine (pictured here with the comedian in 1989) in 1982. Getty Images
“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” a rep for Martin (pictured here with Katherine and friends in September 2021) told Page Six in a statement. Getty Images for GBK Brand Bar
Her body was reportedly discovered after a close friend called authorities because the social worker hadn’t “been heard from in 24 hours.”
However, a neighbor of Katherine’s noted she never showed any “indications” that she was struggling with her mental health.
“Katherine was a private person, but that doesn’t mean she wasn’t friendly,” the neighbor told Us Weekly. “She was quite outgoing.”
Martin, meanwhile, has kept a low profile since his daughter’s tragic death.
Katherine (pictured here with her parents and brother Oliver in 1989) legally changed her name to Katherine Hartley in 2012. Getty Images
Martin (pictured here with his late wife and daughter in Los Angeles in May 2003) has kept a low profile since his daughter’s tragic death. Getty Images
The “Three Amigos” star postponed a series of comedy shows with Steve Martin in the wake of Katherine’s passing.
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 story, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.