The family of actor Chad Lowe and producer Kim Painter is facing an unimaginable loss following the death of their 13-year-old daughter, Fiona Hepler Lowe.
Fiona died on September 29, 2026, at a Los Angeles-area hospital. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later confirmed that her death was ruled a suicide. The news has prompted an outpouring of sympathy for the Lowe family, while renewed attention has also focused on the importance of mental-health support for young people.
Chad Lowe and Kim Painter announced Fiona’s death in a statement shared with PEOPLE. The couple described their daughter as a loving, intelligent and creative young girl who loved dancing. They also emphasized how deeply Fiona was loved by her parents and sisters, describing her as “the light of our lives.”
Fiona was the middle of Chad Lowe and Kim Painter’s three daughters. Her older sister, Mabel, is 17, while her younger sister, Nixie, is 10. The family has asked for privacy and prayers as they cope with the devastating loss.
In the days following Fiona’s death, members of the family and people who knew her have shared emotional tributes. Mabel recently paid tribute to her younger sister, expressing her love and grief while promising to honor Fiona’s memory. Her message offered a glimpse into the close bond the sisters shared.
Fiona was also remembered for her passion for dance and her creative personality. Friends, teachers and members of her community have described her as a bright and warm presence whose death has deeply affected those around her.
The tragedy comes after the Lowe family experienced another major hardship in 2025, when their home was destroyed in the Palisades wildfire. Chad Lowe had previously spoken publicly about helping his daughters cope with the aftermath of the devastating fire.
The family’s statement also included a message encouraging anyone struggling with mental health to seek professional help. In the United States, people experiencing a mental-health crisis can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
As tributes continue to emerge, the focus remains on remembering Fiona as a beloved daughter, sister and young person whose life touched her family and community. The Lowe family has asked the public to respect their privacy while they grieve.
The story has also drawn significant online attention, with searches for Fiona, Chad Lowe and her family appearing among trending topics, reflecting the widespread public reaction to the heartbreaking news.
