New Audio Details in Katherine Short's Death: 911 Call Captures Team Rushed to Reported Shooting At Martin Short's Daughter's Home

Hollywood has once again experienced another tragic death, this time losing the 42-year-old daughter of actor and comedian Martin Short, Katherine Hartley Short. According to early reports, Katherine died on 23 February from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

While the case is still under investigation, a 911 response call has captured the urgency with which police and fire crews were dispatched to what was initially described as a 'reported shooting' at Short's Hollywood Hills residence in Los Angeles.

Officials have stated there is no suspicion of foul play.

What Happened on 23 February

According to law enforcement sources, a 911 call was placed at approximately 6:40 p.m. local time reporting a possible shooting at Short's home. The Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the address.

First responders arrived to find Short inside a bedroom. The caller, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, was reportedly at the scene but unable to enter the room. Short was pronounced dead at the residence. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later ruled the death a suicide following a preliminary autopsy.

No further investigative action has been announced at this stage.

What the Dispatch Audio Reveals

Dispatch audio, sourced from public emergency radio transmissions and later published by TMZ, documents the sequence of the response.

In the recording, fire units are directed to a 'reported shooting.' Officers can be heard coordinating entry and clarifying the situation. At one point, an officer asks whether they are 'clear to enter,' before confirmation is given that the incident is 'self-inflicted.'

The audio does not contain graphic detail but underscores the speed of the response and the initial uncertainty as emergency personnel assessed whether there was any ongoing threat. Authorities have since indicated that the scene was consistent with a self-inflicted injury, and no evidence has emerged suggesting third-party involvement.

Who Was Katherine Short?

Born on 3 December 1983, Katherine was the eldest of three children adopted by Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died in 2010.

She pursued a career in mental health, earning a degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University before completing a master's degree in social work at the University of Southern California.

According to reports, Short later worked as a licensed clinical social worker, including roles at UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital and at the Camden Centre's outpatient programme. She was also involved with Bring Change 2 Mind, a mental health advocacy organisation founded by Glenn Close, aimed at reducing stigma and promoting awareness.

Short maintained a low public profile, and details about her relationships remained mostly private.

In a statement released after her death, the family described her as 'beloved by all.'

'It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,' Martin Short's representatives said in a statement. 'The Short family is devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time.'

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed the manner of death as suicide on 24 February. Toxicology findings, if conducted, have not been released. Early reports state that Martin Short has postponed scheduled comedy performances following the death of his daughter.