Fiona Hepler Lowe, 13, the daughter of actor, director and producer Chad Lowe and producer Kim Painter, died at a Los Angeles-area hospital on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, according to records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office. The office ruled her death a suicide, and the finding was reported on Oct. 1.
The family confirmed her death the same day in a statement given to Page Six. “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,” they said.
“She was adored by her sisters and she was deeply loved by her parents,” the statement went on. “In fact, she was the light of our lives. Her passing is devastating for our entire family and we ask for prayers and privacy at this time.” It closed by urging anyone struggling with mental health to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
The principal of Fiona’s school emailed parents on the morning of Sept. 29 to say a student had died. The email did not name the student and said counseling would be offered to classmates and staff.
Her Sister’s Tribute
Fiona’s older sister, Mabel Painter Lowe, 17, paid tribute on Instagram with childhood photos of the two girls. “I wish your short time here was easier and i hope your mind is at ease now,” she wrote, adding, “I will honor you forever and keep your memory alive.”
Actor Jeremy Renner commented, “Bless you dear Mabel,” and “My deepest condolences to you and the family.” “Grey’s Anatomy” actress Jessica Capshaw wrote, “What a beautiful tribute to your sister.”
On Friday, Oct. 2, Mabel reposted to her Instagram Story a video from Fiona’s dance teacher, Kendra Andrews, the younger sister of sportscaster Erin Andrews. Andrews had posted clips of Fiona rehearsing a solo in 2025, one of them filmed a month after the family lost its home in the Palisades fire. “It was an honor to teach you, laugh with you, and watch you grow,” she wrote.
Fiona’s grandfather, Charles “Chuck” Lowe, the father of Chad and actor Rob Lowe, shared an Instagram tribute on Sept. 30 with a photo of her smiling in a swimming pool. “Rest in peace sweet Fiona,” he wrote.
A Family That Lost Its Home
Fiona was born Nov. 16, 2012, the middle of three daughters. Chad Lowe, 58, and Painter, 52, married in 2010. Their youngest, Nixie Barbara Lowe, is 10. When Fiona turned 13 in November 2025, her father marked the day in an Instagram post showing her in cowboy boots. “Keep dancing through life FiBear!” he wrote.
The Palisades fire destroyed the family’s home in Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades neighborhood. In February 2025, Lowe posted photographs of his daughters returning to the ruins, one showing the sisters with their arms around each other. He wrote that he was in awe of their spirit and resilience, and that raising them was the greatest joy and privilege of his life.
Lowe, the younger brother of Rob Lowe, won an Emmy Award for his role in “Life Goes On,” playing a young man living with HIV, and later appeared in “Melrose Place” and “Pretty Little Liars.” He was previously married to actress Hilary Swank until they separated in January 2006.
Where to Find Help
People in the U.S. who are struggling with suicidal thoughts can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at any hour, or chat online. The Crisis Text Line offers free, confidential support around the clock to people who text 741741.
