On the evening of February 23, 2026, Katherine Short, a 42-year-old licensed clinical social worker, was found deceased in her Hollywood Hills, California, home. Authorities responded to her residence after a friend, concerned after not hearing from her for 24 hours, requested a welfare check.
Upon their arrival at approximately 6:00 p.m., law enforcement officers discovered Ms. Short behind a locked bedroom door. After forcing entry, they found she had sustained a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound. A gun and a note were reportedly found near her body. Homicide investigators who responded to the scene ruled out any foul play in her death. The Los Angeles County medical examiner officially ruled her death a suicide.
Katherine, the daughter of actor and comedian Martin Short, was a dedicated mental health advocate who had openly discussed her own struggles with mental illness. She held a master's degree in social work from the University of Southern California and had a private practice. In 2012, she legally changed her last name to Hartley to create a professional separation from her famous father and prevent potential harassment from future patients. There have been no arrests or suspects identified, as law enforcement has concluded their investigation determining her death to be a suicide.
