Martin Short ‘Pushing Everyone Away,’ Including Meryl Streep, After Daughter Katherine’s Death (Exclusive)

Martin Short is mourning the loss of his only daughter, Katherine — and a source says rumored girlfriend Meryl Streep has struggled to ease his heartbreak.

Katherine, a 42-year-old social worker, took her own life on Monday, February 23, according to TMZ.

She reportedly died via a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

“Martin is so devastated that he’s pushing everyone away – including Meryl,” the source tells In Touch. “She’s been checking in and trying to help in any way possible, but Martin clearly wants space to grieve right now. Of course, that’s something she’ll honor.”

Though the Only Murders in the Building costars have never officially confirmed they’re dating, whispers began swirling that the Oscar winner, 76, and the comedian, 75, were an item in 2024.

“Her hope is that they can pick things up and spend time together soon enough,” reveals the source. “At the moment, Martin’s only wanting to be by himself. Romance is the last thing on his mind.”

The mourning actor adopted Katherine — as well as sons Oliver, 39, and Henry, 36 — with late wife Nancy Dolman, who passed away in 2010 following a battle with ovarian cancer.

“There’s a sense Martin feels like he’s failed Nancy,” admits the insider. “He took on the responsibility to raise and care for their little girl and now she’s gone. He’s really beating himself up over her suicide and wondering what he could have done to have saved Katherine.”

On her now-deleted professional website, the tragic Hollywood heir confessed to grappling with “mental illness” issues for at least five years, per Page Six.

“Martin was always incredibly loving and supportive,” insists the insider. “It’s horrible for Meryl to see him so inconsolable. The poor guy’s spirit has been crushed to pieces and it’s hard to imagine he’ll ever recover.”