MEMO to “Lost” fanatics: those numbers you’re all so obsessed with – not even the producers know what they mean.

“I think that that question will never, ever be answered,” “Lost” co-creator Damon Lindelof tells today’s edition of TV-Guide.com, when asked about the significance of the strange numbers – 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42 – that have become so central to the series.

“I couldn’t possibly imagine [how we would answer that question]. We will see more ramifications of the numbers and more usage of the numbers, but it boggles my mind when people ask me, ‘What do the numbers mean?,’ ” Lindelof says.

The numbers have become a huge part of “Lost.” In various ways, they’ve drawn many of the castaways to the island and were even used by one character – Hurley – to win the lottery before he got on the ill-fated flight.

“Lost” co-creator Carlton Cuse tells the Web site that Shannon (Maggie Grace) was indeed shot and killed on last week’s episode. Fans have been speculating all week that her death was a red herring.

“She was shot,” he says.

Lindelof adds that “Lost” fans who analyze each episode may be reading a little too much into the show.

“They totally are,” he says.