Martin Shorts Daughter Dies by Suicide at 42

Katherine Hartley Short, the 42-year-old eldest daughter of actor and comedian Martin Short, died Monday evening in her Hollywood Hills home in Los Angeles from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, law enforcement sources reported. The Los Angeles Police Department responded to the residence shortly after 6:40 p.m. Pacific time, where she was found deceased.

A representative for the Short family confirmed the death in a statement, expressing deep sorrow. "It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short," the statement read. "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, born on December 3, 1983, was adopted by Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, shortly after her birth. The couple, who met in 1972 during a production of the musical Godspell and married in 1980, also adopted two sons: Oliver in 1986 and Henry in 1989. Dolman, an actress and comedian, died in 2010 at age 61 after a battle with ovarian cancer. Short has spoken publicly about the challenges his family faced in the years following her...