Martin Short has opened up about the tragic suicide of his daughter Katherine Hartley Short at the age of 42, less than three months after her passing, describing the ordeal as 'a nightmare for the family.'
Details of the Tragedy
Katherine, who had worked with the mental health nonprofit Bring Change To Mind, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as confirmed by the Los Angeles Police Department in February. Short, now 76, spoke with CBS Sunday Mornings about the family's loss, drawing a parallel to the 2010 death of his wife Nancy Dolman from cancer.
'The understanding [is] that mental health and cancer, like my wife's, are both diseases, and sometimes with diseases they are terminal,' said the star of Father of the Bride, Three Amigos!, and Only Murders in the Building. He continued, 'My daughter fought for a long time with extreme mental health, borderline personality disorder, other things, and did the best she couldn't until she couldn't.'
Family Statement
A representative for Short confirmed the tragic passing in a February statement, saying: 'It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short. 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.'
Short's comments come amid a public outpouring of support, including a heartfelt message from Conan O'Brien, who ended a recent ceremony by saying, 'We love you Martin Short!'
