The eldest daughter of Emmy-winning actor and “Only Murders in the Building” star Martin Short has died in Los Angeles. She was 42.

Katherine Hartley Short was found dead at her home in the Hollywood Hills on Monday evening. Law enforcement sources told the Los Angeles Times that the licensed clinical social worker died by apparent suicide. TMZ, which first reported the news, cited law enforcement sources as saying she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” a representative for the Only Murders in the Building star said in a statement. “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.”

Authorities said emergency responders from the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles Fire Department arrived at the residence around 6:45 pm on Monday, where she was pronounced dead. The family has not publicly confirmed the cause of death.

Professional work

Katherine was one of three children adopted by Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman. Although she occasionally accompanied her father to public events and red carpets, she maintained a largely private life away from Hollywood.

Short, 75, is known for his roles in films including “Innerspace” and for starring alongside Steve Martin and Selena Gomez in the hit series “Only Murders in the Building”.

Katherine pursued a career dedicated to mental health and community support. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006, followed by a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010. She later worked in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker.

In addition to her clinical work, she was involved with Bring Change 2 Mind, a San Francisco-based non-profit founded by actor Glenn Close that works to reduce stigma around mental illness and promote open conversations about mental health in schools and communities. She also worked part-time at a clinic providing community outreach, peer support and psychotherapy.

Family background

Martin Short and Nancy Dolman first met in 1972 while performing in a production of “Godspell”. They married in 1980 and adopted three children: Katherine Elizabeth Short and her younger brothers, Oliver Patrick and Henry Hayter.

Dolman died of ovarian cancer in 2010 at the age of 58. In a 2012 interview with the Guardian, Short reflected on the difficulty of that period. “This is the thing of life that we live in denial about, that it will ever happen to us or our loved ones, and when it does you gain a little and you suffer a little. There’s no big surprise.”

Short is currently on a two-man comedy tour with his longtime friend and “Only Murders in the Building” co-star Steve Martin. A performance is scheduled for Friday in Milwaukee.

Katherine was last publicly seen with her father at a celebration marking her 40th birthday, attended by friends and family including Catherine O’Hara, Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Bo Welch and Joni Mitchell.

(DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is struggling, seek professional help immediately from a doctor, mental health expert, or NGO.)