New details have emerged following the death of Martin Short’s daughter, Katherine Short, after audio from a 911 call tied to the incident was made public.
According to the recording, which was obtained by TMZ, a dispatcher with the Los Angeles Fire Department relayed early information from the scene, stating that the injury appeared to be “self-inflicted.”
The caller who contacted emergency services was reportedly inside the home but “unable to enter the bedroom,” where Katherine was located.
First responders were dispatched to the Hollywood Hills residence at approximately 6:41 p.m. on Feb. 23. Upon arrival, authorities confirmed the death of a 42-year-old woman. Officials have described the case as an apparent suicide.
Martin Short later confirmed the loss through a representative, who shared a statement on behalf of the family. “The Short family is devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time,” the statement read. “Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”
Katherine was the eldest of three children adopted by Martin and his late wife, Nancy Dolman. The couple, who married in 1980, also raised sons Oliver and Henry. Dolman died in 2010 following a battle with ovarian cancer.
While specific details surrounding Katherine’s mental health have not been publicly outlined, she had previously spoken about her struggles in a professional context.
In a post from her since-deleted website, she shared that she had been living with mental illness and credited her service dog, Joni, for providing support.
“Joni is my incredible service dog, who has been assisting me with my own struggles with mental illness for the past 5 years,” she wrote.
Martin, known for decades of work across film, television, and stage, has largely kept his family life private. He and his children have been based in Los Angeles, with additional ties to Canada, where Short began his career.
The Los Angeles Fire Department has not released further comment on the case beyond confirming the emergency response.
If you or someone you know is afflicted by suicidal ideation, help is available. In the United States, you can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support 24/7.
