Martin Short’s daughter, Katherine, left suicide note, vanished 24 hours before death

Authorities found a suicide note when they discovered Katherine Short’s body.

Law enforcement sources told TMZ Thursday that Martin Short’s daughter was found behind a locked bedroom door with a “note” and a gun nearby.

Katherine’s body was discovered after a friend called authorities because she hadn’t “been heard from in 24 hours.”

Homicide authorities also reportedly responded to the call and ruled out foul play.

Katherine Short and Martin Short smiling.
Katherine Short (photographed here in 2008) vanished a day before she was found dead. Alex Berliner/BEI / Shutterstock

Katherine Short with her brothers Henry and Oliver Short.
A friend called the police after Katherine (photographed here with brothers in 2006) “hadn’t been heard from in 24 hours.” Gregory Pace/BEI / Shutterstock

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Despite disappearing for 24 hours, a neighbor of Katherine said she never showed any “indications” that she was struggling with her mental health.

“Katherine was a private person but that doesn’t mean she wasn’t friendly. She was quite outgoing,” the neighbor told Us Weekly, noting that they would “hear and see her laughing with friends” on her front porch at times.

However, Katherine also owned a service dog, Joni, to assist with “mental illness” in the years prior to her death.

Talking about her dog on her now-deleted professional website, she wrote, “Joni is my incredible service dog, who has been assisting me with my own struggles with mental illness for the past 5 years.”

Katherine Elizabeth Short and Martin Short posing on a red carpet.
Katherine (photographed here in 2011 with Martin Short) was found dead on Feb. 23 with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. FilmMagic

Martin Short, Nancy Short, and Katherine Short smiling at the "Jungle 2 Jungle" premiere.
Katherine (seen here with mom Nancy Dolman and Martin) left a suicide note behind. Corbis via Getty Images

Gavin B. Keilly, Tara-Jane Flynn, Katherine Short, and Martin Short attend a pre-Emmy luxury lounge event.
The social worker (seen here in 2021) led a private life. Getty Images for GBK Brand Bar

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On Feb. 23, Katherine was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in her Hollywood Hills, Calif. home around 6 p.m. local time. She was 42.

“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” a rep for the “Only Murders in the Building” star confirmed to Page Six Tuesday.

“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.”

The social worker kept a low profile through the years and was last seen publicly when she celebrated her 40th birthday in 2023.

Katherine Short wears a "Birthday Girl" headband, a shimmering dress, and carries a tote bag and a paper bag.
She was last seen publicly in 2023 while celebrating her 40th birthday. The Hollywood JR / BACKGRID

Martin Short and daughter Katherine Elizabeth posing together with goofy expressions.
Katherine changed her last name in 2012 to keep her privacy. Getty Images

In fact, Katherine went to such lengths to keep her privacy that she changed her last name from Short to Hartley in 2012.

Katherine explained in documents that her “father is a public figure” and she is “a psychiatric social worker.”

“I am worried about potential harassment from future patients resulting from my association with my father,” she continued.

Martin, 75, welcomed Katherine with his late wife, Nancy Dolman, via adoption. They later adopted sons Oliver Patrick, 39, and Henry Hayter, 36, together.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.