Martin Short’s daughter Katherine’s death certificate confirms cause of tragic passing

Martin Short’s daughter Katherine’s cause of death has been confirmed in her death certificate, one week after her tragic passing.

The late social worker died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to the document released by the Los Angeles County Dept of Public Health on Tuesday and obtained by TMZ.

Katherine died by suicide on Feb. 23 at the age of 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 after Katherine’s death.

“The Short family is devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time,” they added. “Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”

The Los Angeles Fire Department also confirmed to Page Six that they had “responded to a reported shooting” at Katherine’s Hollywood Hills address at approximately 6:41 p.m. and “death was reported of a female.”

Martin and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, had adopted Katherine in 1982. The couple also adopted sons Oliver Patrick, 39, and Henry Hayter, 36, years before Nancy’s death from cancer in 2010.

Although it remains unclear what mental troubles the comedian’s eldest suffered from, it was reported that Katherine had picked up a service dog to assist with her mental illness in the years leading up to her death.

Law enforcement sources later told TMZ that Katherine, who legally changed her name to Katherine Hartley in 2012, was found dead behind a locked bedroom door with a “note” and a gun nearby.

Her body was reportedly discovered after a close friend called authorities because the social worker hadn’t “been heard from in 24 hours.”

However, a neighbor of Katherine’s noted she never showed any “indications” that she was struggling with her mental health.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.