Katherine Hartley Changes Name to Escape Harassment
Katherine Short sought to create a boundary between her professional life and her father’s public persona. In 2012, she petitioned to change her name from “Katherine Elizabeth Short” to “Katherine Elizabeth Hartley.” This decision was officially approved by a judge in early 2013.
Katherine Hartley’s Name Change: A Personal Decision
In her petition, Katherine expressed concerns about potential harassment due to her father, comedian Martin Short, being a public figure. As a psychiatric social worker, she aimed to distance herself from her father’s fame.
A Life Dedicated to Helping Others
Friends have described Katherine as possessing a “beautiful soul.” They noted that she often took on the burdens of others and rarely highlighted her famous lineage. She commonly went by the last name “Hartley” and preferred not to be associated with her father’s celebrity status.
Katherine was notably private, rarely attending public events with Martin Short. Her appearances were limited, with one notable instance being the 2011 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Tragic Passing of Katherine Hartley
On a recent Monday, Katherine Hartley tragically passed away from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the age of 42. The Short family confirmed this devastating loss, requesting privacy as they mourned. They described Katherine as beloved, highlighting the joy she brought to those around her.
Dealing with Mental Health
Sources indicated that Katherine had faced mental health challenges throughout her life. An autopsy was conducted following her death, and her body was subsequently prepared for release.
- Name Change: Katherine Elizabeth Short to Katherine Elizabeth Hartley
- Date of Name Change Approval: Early 2013
- Age at Passing: 42
- Notable Public Appearance: 2011 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
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