Chad Lowe and producer Kim Painter are mourning the devastating loss of their 13-year-old daughter, Fiona Hepler Lowe, who died in Los Angeles on September 29, 2026. The news has left the family, friends and those who knew the young girl grieving a deeply painful loss.
Fiona was pronounced dead at a local Los Angeles hospital. According to the information released by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, her death was officially ruled a suicide on October 1, 2026.
The family has asked for privacy as they cope with the death of their daughter and remember the young person they described as a source of enormous love and happiness.
Family Statement
Chad Lowe and Kim Painter shared a statement about Fiona’s death, offering a glimpse into how they remembered their daughter.
The family described Fiona as a loving, smart and creative young girl who loved to dance. They also said that she had been “the light of our lives,” reflecting the profound place she held within the family.
Rather than focusing on the circumstances surrounding her death, the statement highlighted Fiona’s personality and the qualities that made her special to those closest to her.
The family also used the statement to encourage people experiencing emotional distress to seek help. Their message included a call for anyone struggling with their mental health or experiencing a crisis to contact a suicide and crisis support service.
A Family in Grief
Fiona’s death comes after a difficult period for the Lowe family.
In January 2025, the family lost their longtime Pacific Palisades home during the devastating wildfires that swept through the Los Angeles area. The property had been an important part of the children’s lives, making the destruction particularly difficult.
Chad Lowe previously spoke about how his daughters dealt with the enormous disruption caused by losing their home. Despite the upheaval, the family continued moving forward and rebuilding their lives.
That earlier hardship now forms part of the family’s broader story as they confront another devastating loss.
Her Siblings
Fiona was one of three daughters Chad Lowe and Kim Painter shared.
Mabel Painter Lowe, 17, is the couple’s eldest daughter, while Nixie Barbara Lowe, 10, is their youngest.
The sisters are now facing the loss of their sibling alongside their parents and extended family. At a time of such grief, relatives and close friends have gathered around the family to provide support.
Chad Lowe is also part of a well-known Hollywood family. His older brother, actor Rob Lowe, has been among the relatives offering support during this extremely difficult period.
Remembering Fiona
Public details about Fiona’s private life are limited, which is understandable given her young age. The family’s statement nevertheless offered several meaningful details about how she was remembered.
She was described as creative, intelligent, loving and passionate about dance. Those qualities have become central to the family’s remembrance of her.
For the Lowes, Fiona was not defined by the circumstances of her death. She was a daughter, sister and beloved member of a family who treasured her.
Her death has also prompted renewed attention to the importance of recognizing emotional distress among young people and ensuring that children and teenagers have access to trusted adults and professional support when they are struggling.
A Difficult Time
The loss of a child can have an overwhelming impact on an entire family, and Fiona’s death has brought Chad Lowe and Kim Painter into an intensely private period of mourning.
The family’s decision to speak publicly was accompanied by a request that people experiencing emotional difficulties reach out rather than face those feelings alone.
Their message is particularly significant for parents, caregivers and young people who may be dealing with challenges that are not always visible to others.
Where the Family Stands
As the family mourns, Fiona’s loved ones are remembering her for the joy, creativity and love she brought into their lives.
The circumstances of her death were officially classified by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, but the family has chosen to focus its public remembrance on who Fiona was rather than on the details of how she died.
For Chad Lowe, Kim Painter, Mabel and Nixie, the coming weeks and months will be a period of profound grief and adjustment.
The family’s message also carries an important plea beyond their own loss: anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide should seek immediate help from a trusted person, mental health professional or crisis service. In the United States, people can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Fiona was only 13, and her family says she will be remembered as a beloved daughter and sister whose life brought light to those around her.