Martin Short Spotted For 1st Time Since His Daughter Katherine Short’s Death at Age 42: Report

Martin Short was reportedly spotted in Los Angeles for the first time since the death of his daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, in February.

TMZ published photos and videos showing Martin, 76, out for dinner with his longtime friend, Star Wars director J.J. Abrams, in Santa Monica on Friday, March 27. The comedian could be seen exiting a restaurant and entering the passenger seat of Abrams’ car but did not interact with photographers on the scene.

Us Weekly has reached out to Short’s representative for comment.

Martin has largely shied away from the spotlight since he confirmed the death of his daughter on February 24.

“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,” a family statement to Us read.“Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”

The following day, Us reported that Katherine’s death was officially ruled a suicide by investigators. An LAPD spokesperson confirmed to Us that its officers originally responded to a radio call of a possible suicide attempt in the Hollywood Hills on February 23 and later found a deceased woman on the property.

Katherine was one of three children adopted by Martin and his late wife, Nancy Dolman. (The couple also shared Oliver Patrick Short, 39, an NBC Sports producer, and Henry Hayter Short, 36, a veterinary assistant. Dolman died at age 58 in August 2010 following a battle with ovarian cancer.)

In 2012, Katherine officially filed to change her name to “Katherine Elizabeth Hartley” for work purposes, according to court documents obtained by Us.