By Isabella Torregiani
12:10pm PST, Feb 25, 2026
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The new year has brought heartbreaking loss to several high-profile families, with a number of celebrities mourning the deaths of their children in the first two months of 2026.
Here are four stars who have experienced unimaginable loss in recent weeks…MORE:
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Tommy Lee Jones
Victoria Jones, the 34-year-old daughter of actor Tommy Lee Jones, was found dead in San Francisco on January 1.
The San Francisco Fire Department said crews responded to a medical emergency at the San Francisco Fairmont just before 3 a.m. local time, where an unidentified individual was pronounced dead.
The San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later confirmed that Victoria died from the "toxic effects of cocaine," and the manner of death was ruled an "accident."
Martin Short
Martin Short's daughter, Katherine Short, died at 42 on February 23.
"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 told People in a statement.
At 6:41 p.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call involving a woman at a Hollywood Hills residence. The Los Angeles coroner later confirmed to People that Katherine's death was ruled a suicide.
Katherine was one of three children adopted by Martin and his late wife of 30 years, Nancy Dolman, who died of ovarian cancer in 2010. The couple's other children are sons Oliver Patrick and Henry Hayter.
(If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.)
Lil Jon
On February 3, the Milton Police Department issued a missing person report for Lil Jon's 27-year-old son, Nathan Smith.
"Subject ran out of his house and has been missing since. Subject left on foot and does not possess a phone. He may be disoriented and in need of assistance. Family and friends are concerned for his safety," officials said in a statement.
Several days later, on February 6, a body was found in a pond near Smith's Georgia home. The rapper later confirmed it was his son.
Authorities said there is "no indication of foul play," though the case remains "an open and active investigation."
Mary Cosby
Robert Cosby Jr., the 23-year-old son of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby, died on February 23.
A spokesperson for the Salt Lake City Police Department told Page Six that Robert was found dead after officers "responded to an overdose call that turned into a death investigation."
Robert had appeared on the Bravo reality show, which documented his legal struggles and sobriety journey.
His death comes less than a month after his release from Salt Lake County Metro Jail, where he served two months, his attorney Clayton Simms told Page Six.
