Martin Short reportedly asked late daughter Katherine’s friend to check on her welfare before she was found dead, autopsy report reveals 

According to a recent report by US Weekly, Martin Short asked his late daughter's friend to check on her before she was found dead. The development has been revealed in the autopsy report.

The publication found the autopsy report on Thursday. The report was made on February 23 and stated that Martin called a friend of Katherine's to ask him to "check on her welfare" after the actor had not heard from his daughter for "over 24 hours."

The report further states that "multiple notes were located at the scene believed to have been left by" Katherine, which she "posted on the door." The unknown friend later found the letters and called 911.

Katherine "had a history of depression and other mental health illnesses" for many years, according to the Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner's assessment.

According to the summary, Katherine tested positive for benzodiazepines at the time of her death. The Cleveland Clinic defines benzodiazepines as a class of prescription drugs "that slow down activity in your brain and nervous system."

About Katherine Short and her demise

Born on December 3, 1983 Katherine Short was a mental health advocate and a licensed clinical social worker. She was the eldest daughter of renowned comedian and actor Martin Short and actress Dolman. While she grew up in a star-studded family, she dedicated her life to mental health victims and psychotherapy.

She was found dead at her Hollywood Hills home on February 24,2026 at the age of 42.

In a statement was released by a spokesman for Martin Short —who had Katherine Short with his late wife, Nancy Dolman—confirmed the loss of their daughter in February.

"We confirm Katherine Hartley Short's demise with deep sorrow. The statement said, "The Short family is devastated by this loss and requests privacy at this time." "Katherine was adored by everyone and will be remembered for the joy and light she brought into the world."

In a May 10 appearance with CBS Sunday Morning, Martin broke his silence over the news and revealed that his family had gone through a "nightmare." The interview also discussed Dolman's battle with ovarian cancer, which led to her death in 2010 at the age of 58.

"It is understood that mental illness and cancer, such as my wife's, are both illnesses, and that illnesses can occasionally be fatal," Martin stated. "My daughter battled severe mental illness, borderline personality disorder, and other issues for a long time. She tried her hardest until she was unable to."

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In an essay published five days later, Martin also told The New York Times that he perceived a connection between the deaths of his late wife and his late daughter, disclosing that Dolman had asked him, "Martin, let me go," shortly before her passing.

"Katherine was saying, 'Dad, let me go,'" he remarked in contrast. "I don't see any distinction between cancer and mental illness as diseases. Both can be fatal in certain situations. Both are also survivable in certain situations.

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