The family of actor Chad Lowe is grieving the loss of his 13-year-old daughter, Fiona Lowe, after authorities confirmed the cause and manner of her death. The heartbreaking news has brought renewed attention to the family’s request for privacy as they navigate an unimaginable loss.

Fiona died on September 29, 2026, at a hospital, according to information released by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Her death was ruled a suicide, a finding that has left her family, friends and community mourning a young life cut tragically short.

Chad Lowe and his wife, film producer Kim Painter, announced their daughter’s passing in a statement shared with media outlets. They remembered Fiona as a loving, intelligent and creative girl who loved dancing and brought happiness to those around her.

The family described her as deeply cherished by her parents and sisters, calling her “the light of our lives.” They also asked the public to respect their privacy during this painful period.

A FAMILY’S HEARTBREAK AFTER FIONA’S DEATH
Fiona was the second of Chad Lowe and Kim Painter’s three daughters. Her older sister, Mabel, and younger sister, Nixie, are also part of the family now facing life without her.

In their statement, the parents emphasized Fiona’s personality and the special place she held in their family. Rather than focusing on the circumstances of her death, they highlighted the qualities they wanted people to remember: her creativity, her loving nature and her passion for dancing.

The announcement prompted an outpouring of sympathy from people familiar with the family and others who learned of the tragedy through news coverage.

Chad Lowe is known for his acting, directing and producing work, including his role in the television drama Life Goes On. He is also the younger brother of actor Rob Lowe, whose extended family has been part of the public response to the loss.

Despite the attention surrounding their family, Fiona’s parents have made clear that their priority is grieving privately and supporting their daughters through an exceptionally difficult time.

WHAT AUTHORITIES CONFIRMED
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that Fiona died at a hospital on September 29. The official finding classified her death as suicide.

The family had not publicly disclosed the cause of death in its initial announcement. The later confirmation provided an answer to questions that had emerged after news of her passing, but it also underscored the importance of treating the family’s loss with care and sensitivity.

Authorities have not publicly indicated that Fiona’s death involved another person. The medical examiner’s finding concerns the manner of death, while the family has chosen to keep its personal grief largely out of the public spotlight.

The circumstances surrounding a young person’s death can be deeply personal, and the family’s statement focused on remembering Fiona rather than sharing private details.

FIONA WAS REMEMBERED FOR HER CREATIVITY AND LOVE OF DANCE
In a previous birthday tribute, Chad Lowe celebrated Fiona’s transition into her teenage years and encouraged her to continue dancing through life. The message reflected her love of dance and the pride he felt in watching her grow.

Her family’s later statement echoed that same affection, describing her as smart, creative and loving.

Those close to a young person often remember the everyday details that make someone unique: the interests they pursue, the things that make them laugh, and the relationships that shape their lives. For Fiona’s family, those memories are now an important part of honoring her.

Her death has also prompted renewed discussion about the emotional challenges young people can face and the importance of ensuring they have trusted adults and appropriate support when they are struggling.

Mental health difficulties are not always visible to others, and families may not know the full extent of what a young person is experiencing. Experts encourage parents, caregivers and schools to take signs of distress seriously and make it easier for children to seek help without fear of judgment.

THE FAMILY HAD ALREADY FACED A MAJOR LOSS
Fiona’s death came after another difficult period for the Lowe family. In January 2025, they lost their home in the devastating Pacific Palisades fires in Los Angeles.

At the time, Chad Lowe publicly reflected on how his daughters were coping with the destruction of their home. He expressed admiration for their resilience and described being a father as one of the greatest privileges of his life.

The family’s experience of losing their home had already brought significant upheaval. However, there is no publicly established connection between that earlier event and Fiona’s death, and it would be inappropriate to speculate about the reasons behind her struggles.

What is clear is that the family has endured multiple painful experiences in a relatively short period. Their current priority is grieving Fiona and supporting one another as they move through the days ahead.

CHAD LOWE AND HIS FAMILY ASK FOR PRIVACY
In announcing Fiona’s death, the family asked for prayers and privacy. They also included information about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, encouraging anyone struggling with mental health concerns to seek support.

The request reflects the family’s wish to turn some of the attention surrounding their loss toward helping people who may be experiencing emotional distress themselves.

Public figures often face intense interest when a personal tragedy becomes news. But behind the headlines are relatives and friends who need time to process what has happened without being pressured to share more than they are comfortable revealing.

The family has not provided a detailed public account of Fiona’s final days, and no such account is necessary to understand the magnitude of their loss.

For now, the focus remains on remembering Fiona and allowing her loved ones the space to grieve.

AN OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT FOR THE LOWE FAMILY
Following the announcement, messages of sympathy circulated among fans and members of the entertainment community. The family’s words about Fiona’s creativity and loving personality offered a glimpse of the young girl they knew beyond the public attention surrounding her father.

Chad Lowe has spent much of his career working in television and film, but his statement made clear that his most important role was being Fiona’s father.

His family’s loss has also highlighted a broader concern: the need to create environments where young people feel safe discussing emotional struggles and asking for help.

Parents, educators and caregivers can play an important role by listening without judgment, checking in when a child’s behavior changes and connecting them with qualified mental health professionals when needed.

No single response can address every situation, but access to support and open conversations can make it easier for young people to seek help.

REMEMBERING FIONA
Fiona Lowe was 13 years old. Her family remembers her as a loving and creative young girl who enjoyed dancing and was deeply adored by her parents and sisters.

The official determination of her cause of death has brought additional information into public view, but it does not lessen the grief experienced by those who loved her.

Chad Lowe, Kim Painter and their daughters now face the difficult process of mourning Fiona while holding on to the memories that made her such an important part of their lives.

As the family continues to grieve, its message remains centered on love, remembrance and the importance of seeking help when emotional struggles become overwhelming.

Anyone in the United States experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The service is available 24 hours a day.

SOURCES
USA TODAY — Fiona Lowe’s cause of death revealed