Martin Short ‘devastated’ as he confirms death of daughter Katherine at 42

Martin Short has tragically confirmed the news that his daughter Katherine has died at the age of 42, leaving the actor and his family ‘devastated’ by the heartbreaking loss.

News of the tragedy first emerged on TMZ , with the Los Angeles Fire Department confirming that they responded to a call from a Hollywood Hills home at 6:41 p.m on Monday February 23, regarding a female approximately 41 years old. While they didn’t elaborate further, they did state that it was regarding a possible suicide.

Martin himself later confirmed the news of his daughter’s death, with his representatives releasing a statement which read: "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.”

The Short family share a pose together at an event back in 2006 (Peter Kramer/Getty Images)

Katherine was the eldest of three children adopted by Short and his late wife Nancy Dolman, who passed away in 2010 after a battle with ovarian cancer.

Unlike her Only Murders in the Building star dad, Katherine opted for a life outside of the spotlight, instead choosing to pursue a career as a social worker away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

A graduate of New York University, Katherine studied psychology and gender sexuality studies, before returning home to Los Angeles, where she undertook a degree in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010.

Katherine was the eldest of Short's three children and leaves behind brothers Oliver (left) and Henry (Scott Rudd/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

Dedicating her life to helping those in need, she briefly interned at the pro bono law firm Public Counsel as well as training with the West L.A. Veterans Administration, before taking on a position at UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital.

It is understood at the time of her death, she worked in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker and also part-time at the clinic, Amae Health, to provide community outreach, family support groups, peer support and psychotherapy.

She leaves behind her devastated dad, as well as siblings Oliver and Henry.

While she may have chosen a life away from stardom, Katherine did still appear at red carpet events over the years in support of her dad, including the after-party of The Producers, in 2003 and again at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in February 2011.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.