Authorities say a suicide note was recovered after Katherine Hartley Short, 42, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside her locked bedroom at her Hollywood Hills home on Feb. 23. A firearm was discovered at the scene. Police responded after a friend reported not hearing from her for 24 hours; homicide detectives attended as standard procedure, but no foul play was suspected.
Neighbors described her as private yet friendly and outgoing. A licensed clinical social worker, Katherine had previously shared that her service dog, Joni, helped her manage mental health challenges. She legally changed her last name from Short to Hartley in 2012 to protect her privacy, citing concerns about being linked publicly to her father, Martin Short.
Her father announced the news in a heartfelt statement, calling her “the light of our lives” and asking for privacy as the family grieves.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 in the U.S. to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line.