Daughter of former Penn State linebacker Brandon Short shot, killed

Karli Short, the daughter of former Penn State linebacker Brandon Short, was found shot and killed in McKeesport, Pennsylvania on Monday morning, according to Pittsburgh’s Action News 4. First responders first arrived on the scene at 10:30 a.m. and arrived to find an apparent gunshot wound to the head.

She was pronounced dead at the scene. At this time, no arrests have been made. Her father spoke with Action News 4 anchor Andrew Stockey on Monday night.

“Karli Short was a great human being, and she was a mother-to-be,” said Short. “This senseless act of violence has to stop and we want to bring the people who did this to justice.”

Brandon Short, who is currently a Penn State trustee, also posted a message on Facebook following his daughter’s death.

“My heart is broken,” Short posted. “I’ve lost the light of my life, my oldest daughter Karli passed away this morning in a senseless act of gun violence. The love she had was so pure and true. The world lost a beautiful soul. Thank you to everyone who has reached out and please keep our family in your prayers as we struggle through this difficult time.”

More about Brandon Short

Brandon Short became a star in his three seasons at Penn State, playing in 35 games over his college career. After emerging as a key member of the defense as a freshman, he made the first-ever list of Butkus Award candidates. Continuing his tear, Short was named Citrus Bowl MVP that season. He earned consensus All-American honors as a junior after leading the team with 103 tackles and four sacks.

Short then left Penn State to pursue a professional career, going No. 105 overall in the fourth round to the New York Giants. He spent four seasons with the team, recording 229 tackles with seven sacks and two interceptions.

Short then spent two seasons with the Carolina Panthers, making 116 tackles with one sack and a forced fumble. In his final season, the 6-foot-3 linebacker returned to the Giants. There, he added 45 tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles to his career total.

Following his NFL career, Brandon Short got involved in media and finished his MBA at Columbia University. He has since created a successful business career which took him around the world before returning to his hometown of McKeesport. He has served on the Penn State University’s Board of Trustees since 2018.