Tragedy struck the Short family as Katherine Short, the eldest daughter of acclaimed comedian Martin Short, was found deceased at her home in Hollywood Hills on March 4, 2024. She was 42 years old. According to reports from the Los Angeles Police Department, Katherine died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, prompting an outpouring of grief and condolences from family and friends.
Katherine was known for her dedication to her work as a social worker in Los Angeles. Recently, her now-deleted professional website featured a biography that highlighted her struggles with mental health. In it, she described her service dog, Joni, named after the renowned singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, as “my incredible service dog, who has been assisting me with my own struggles with mental illness for the past five years.” While the exact date of this biography’s writing remains unclear, it sheds light on her journey and the support she received from her canine companion.
As news of her passing spread, a representative for the Short family expressed their profound sorrow. They stated, “It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short. 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’s death comes as a shock, especially considering her father, Martin Short, was scheduled to perform comedy shows with fellow comedian Steve Martin in the Midwest that weekend. Those performances have now been postponed in light of this tragedy.
Katherine Short’s life serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health support and the role that service animals can play in assisting individuals facing such challenges. If you or someone you know is struggling, resources are available. You can call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for help.
As the Short family navigates this difficult time, the community mourns the loss of a woman who touched many lives and leaves behind a legacy of compassion and resilience.