Fatal shooting victim in McKeesport was daughter of former Penn State football star

A woman shot and killed in McKeesport has been identified as the daughter of a former Penn State University and NFL linebacker.

Police found Karli Short, 26, dead with a gunshot wound to her head in McKeesport Monday morning.

Short’s father, Brandon Short, played football at McKeesport Area High School before becoming a star linebacker at Penn State. He was drafted in 2000 by the New York Giants. After four seasons with the Giants, he spent two seasons with the Carolina Panthers before returning to New York to spend his final season with the Giants.

“My heart is broken,” Brandon Short wrote in a Facebook post. “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.”

Short thanked those who had reached out to him and asked for prayers for his family.

Authorities were called at about 10:30 Monday morning to the 300 block of 25th Street, where they found Short with a gunshot wound to her head. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her father’s Facebook post has garnered more than a thousand comments as people offered their condolences.

Short has served on Penn State University’s Board of Trustees since July 2018. He is executive director and portfolio manager at PGIM Real Estate, a global real estate company.

During his time playing football at the university, he was named 1998 Citrus Bowl MVP and earned All-American honors.

Penn State officials on Tuesday offered their support for Short and his family.

“Our hearts go out to Trustee Brandon Short and Karli Short’s family and friends during this difficult time,” University President Eric Barron said. “My heart is heavy as I think about the traumatic effect this tragic loss of a young person will have on the entire McKeesport community. Our condolences go out to Brandon and the entire Short family.

The Board of Trustees also offered their condolences, said Matthew Schuyler, who serves as the board’s chair.

“That her life was cut short too soon as a result of an act of violence is a tragedy for Karli and her family and friends, and a great loss to the members of the McKeesport community,” he said. “Our sympathy goes out to all who knew her best and loved her most.”

The Allegheny County police Homicide Unit is investigating Karli Short’s killing. Anyone with information should call police at 1-833-255-8477.