Katherine Short’s fatal gunshot wound ‘self-inflicted’
According to 911 audio, Katherine Short’s fatal gunshot wound appears to have been “self-inflicted”.
Katherine Short’s fatal gunshot wound appears to have been “self-inflicted”, 911 audio has revealed.
Comic and actor Martin Short’s 42-year-old daughter died on Monday (23.02.26) at her home in Hollywood Hills, California, from an apparent suicide and emergency call audio published by the Daily Mail shows a dispatcher confirming the circumstances of her passing.
In the 911 audio, a male dispatcher can be heard confirming with first responders that Katherine’s wound appeared to be “self-inflicted”.
The voice added the person who reported the incident was “with the patient and unable to enter the bedroom” of the social worker’s home.
A representative for the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed to Page Six first responders attended Katherine’s address at 6.41pm.
Its spokesperson said: “Death was reported of a female.”
A representative for Martin, 75, later confirmed “with profound grief” the passing of his daughter.
They said: “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 was the adopted daughter of Martin and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died from cancer in 2010.
The couple also adopted two sons – Oliver Patrick, 39, and Henry Hayter, 36.
It is unclear what mental health difficulties Katherine had experienced.
Martin is known for his role in the television series Only Murders in the Building.
The Canadian-American comedian and actor’s career has also spanned stage, television and film for more than four decades.
Martin first came to prominence in the late 1970s as a cast member on SCTV, where his eccentric characters – including Ed Grimley – became cult favourites.
He went on to join Saturday Night Live in the 1984–’85 season, further cementing his reputation for elastic physical comedy and sharp improvisation.
In cinema, Martin is widely known for roles in Three Amigos, Innerspace and as flamboyant wedding planner Franck Eggelhoffer in Father of the Bride and its sequel.
On stage, he has appeared in Broadway productions and toured in conversation and comedy shows.
In recent years, Martin has reached new audiences through the hit Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, starring alongside his long-time friend Steve Martin and actress Selena Gomez.
