The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner has confirmed the manner of death for Fiona Hepler Lowe, the 13-year-old daughter of actor and director Chad Lowe and his wife, Kim Painter. According to the official update released on October 1, 2026, Fiona died in a hospital on September 29. The manner of death was determined to be suicide, and the case remains open.

Chad Lowe and Kim Painter announced their daughter’s death in a family statement shared with media outlets on September 29. They described Fiona as “a loving young girl who was smart, creative, and loved to dance.” The statement continued: “She was adored by her sisters and she was deeply loved by her parents. In fact, she was the light of our lives. Her pᴀssing is devastating for our entire family and we ask for prayers and privacy at this time.” The family also directed anyone struggling with mental health to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Fiona was born in November 2012 and was the middle child of three daughters. Her older sister is Mabel, 17, and her younger sister is Nixie Barbara, 10. Chad Lowe, an Emmy Award winner best known for his role on the ABC series Life Goes On, is the younger brother of actor Rob Lowe. He and Painter married in 2010.

In the days after the announcement, family members shared personal tributes. On October 3, Mabel posted childhood pH๏τos and a video of the sisters dancing together, writing that she loved her sister deeply, wished her short time had been easier, and hoped her mind was now at ease. She pledged to honor Fiona’s memory forever. Fiona’s grandfather, Charles “Chuck” Lowe, shared a pH๏τograph of her smiling in a swimming pool with the message “Rest in peace, sweet Fiona.” Her cousin John Owen Lowe, son of Rob Lowe, posted Emily Dickinson’s poem “Hope Is the Thing With Feathers.” Former co-star David Boreanaz and others also offered public condolences.

On October 9, Chad Lowe returned to Instagram for the first time since his daughter’s death and shared a reflective message focused on peace and love, quoting that when people die they return to a state of peace and love.

Those who knew Fiona outside the family described her as a well-liked student with many friends. The family has continued to ask for privacy while they grieve.

Suicide remains a leading cause of death among young people in the United States. Public-health data identify it as the second-leading cause of death for youth ages 10–14 and the third for those ages 15–24. Support is available around the clock through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) and the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741).

Sources : USA TODAY