Actor Chad Lowe and producer Kim Painter have announced the death of their daughter, Fiona Hepler Lowe. She was 13.
The family confirmed Fiona’s death in a statement shared with People on Tuesday, Sept. 29. The statement said they are ‘deeply heartbroken’ by the loss of their ‘beloved’ daughter.
Fiona was born on Nov. 16, 2012. She was the middle daughter of Lowe and Painter, who also share Mabel, 17, and Nixie, 10.
Lowe, 58, is the younger brother of actor Rob Lowe. He won an Emmy Award in 1993 for his role on the TV show Life Goes On. He has also appeared in Pretty Little Liars and Supergirl.
Family Statement
The family’s full statement reads: ‘We are deeply heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Fiona. She was a loving young girl who was smart, creative and loved to dance.’
‘She was adored by her sisters and she was deeply loved by her parents. In fact, she was the light of our lives,’ the statement continued.
‘Her passing is devastating for our entire family and we ask for prayers and privacy at this time.’
The statement concluded: ‘If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.’
Cause of Death
Fiona died by suicide, according to the Daily Mail. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that Fiona died at home on Tuesday and authorities were called to the house at 12:10 a.m.
No official cause of death has been released by the family. The family statement did not disclose how Fiona died but included the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
A Difficult Year
Fiona’s death follows a difficult period for the family. In January 2025, their Pacific Palisades home was destroyed in the Palisades Fire.
In February 2025, Lowe shared that the family had returned to see the remains of the home where his three daughters had grown up.
‘Almost a month after we evacuated our girls finally got to go back to see what’s left of their home,’ he wrote on Instagram at the time.
‘The way they’ve handled this whole devastating experience is nothing short of remarkable. I am in awe of their spirit and resilience,’ he added. ‘Being their dad is my life’s greatest joy and privilege.’
Fiona’s Life
In November 2025, Lowe celebrated Fiona’s 13th birthday with an Instagram post. ‘Celebrating Fiona officially becoming a teen today!! Keep dancing through life FiBear! Love you soooo much!!’ he wrote alongside a photo of her smiling in cowboy boots.
Fiona’s middle name, Hepler, was Lowe’s late mother’s maiden name. It is also the middle name of his brother, Rob Lowe.
Parents at Fiona’s school were sent an email from the principal on Tuesday morning informing them that a student had died. The email did not name the student.
‘It is with deep sadness that I am calling you to advise you of the death of one of our students,’ the email, obtained by Page Six, said. ‘Counselors are available to meet with students and staff who may need emotional support during this difficult time.’
Celebrity Reactions
Fans and fellow celebrities have shared condolences on social media. One comment on the family’s statement read: ‘My deepest condolences to you and your family. There are no words of comfort but just know so many are sending thoughts of comfort and strength to you all.’
Lowe was previously married to actress Hilary Swank from 1997 to 2007. He married Painter in 2010. The couple celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary last month.
Fiona is survived by her father, Chad, her mother, Kim, and her sisters, Mabel and Nixie. The family has asked for prayers and privacy at this time.