Story perspectives

Martin Short’s Daughter Katherine Hartley Short Dies by Suicide

5/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Authorities entered Katherine Hartley Short’s bedroom on February 23, 2026, found her dead with a pistol and ruled the death a suicide by gunshot.
The autopsy said the 42-year-old had depression, borderline personality disorder, a 2017 pill-overdose attempt, benzodiazepines in her system.
Martin Short asked a friend to check on his daughter after 24 hours of no contact, called the loss a “nightmare for the family” and said she was cremated on February 27, 2026.

History

Historical Context

After SAMHSA launched the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on Jan 1 2005, the three-digit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline went live in July 2022, boosting call volume about 30%. Yet Katherine Hartley Short’s 2026 suicide, discovered with her father Martin Short, shows the system’s gaps persist, prompting lawmakers to seek expanded crisis services.

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Story summary

Authorities entered Katherine Hartley Short’s bedroom on February 23, 2026, found her dead with a pistol and ruled the death a suicide by gunshot.
The autopsy said the 42-year-old had depression, borderline personality disorder, a 2017 pill-overdose attempt, benzodiazepines in her system.
Martin Short asked a friend to check on his daughter after 24 hours of no contact, called the loss a “nightmare for the family” and said she was cremated on February 27, 2026.

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