Pregnant Daughter of Former NFL Linebacker Brandon Short Fatally Shot

Karli Short, the 26-year-old pregnant daughter of former NFL linebacker Brandon Short, was shot and killed Monday in Pennsylvania.

That day on Facebook, Brandon — who played college football at Penn State and in the NFL for teams such as the New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers — confirmed the tragic news while thanking those who reached out to him and his family.

“My heart is broken. 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,” Brandon said. “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.”

Per a statement from the Alleghany County Police Department on Monday, first responders found Karli after authorities were notified of a female down in the 300 block of 25th Street shortly after 10:30 a.m.

Officials say Karli suffered what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

In an interview with Action 4 News, Brandon, who has served on the Penn State Board of Trustees since 2018, revealed that Karli was expecting.

“Karli Short was a great human being, and she was a mother-to-be. This senseless act of violence has to stop, and we want to bring the people who did this to justice,” Brandon said, adding, “The pain that I feel is indescribable. A parent shouldn’t lose a child. That’s not the way that the world is supposed to work.”

In a statement obtained by People, Penn State board of trustees chair Matthew Schuyler said, “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Trustee Brandon Short’s daughter, Karli Short, in her passing.”

He continued, “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. Our sympathy goes out to all who knew her best and loved her most.”

Wednesday on his Facebook page, Brandon announced that a visitation will be held Friday and a funeral service will be conducted Saturday at the Bethlehem Baptist Church.