Chad Lowe’s daughter Fiona has died at the age of 13. The Emmy-winning actor and his wife, Kim Painter, shared the heartbreaking news in a statement to PEOPLE on Tuesday, September 29, saying they are “deeply heartbroken” by the loss of their “beloved Fiona.”
Fiona Hepler Lowe was the middle of the couple’s three daughters. In the statement, the family remembered her as “a loving young girl who was smart, creative, and loved to dance,” adding that “she was adored by her sisters and she was deeply loved by her parents” and that “she was the light of our lives.”
Chad Lowe’s Daughter Dies: The Family’s Full Statement
“We are deeply heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Fiona,” the family said in the statement. “Her passing is devastating for our entire family and we ask for prayers and privacy at this time.”
The statement also included the contact information for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: “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.” The family has not disclosed a cause of death, and what is known so far remains limited to the family’s own words.
The news was first reported on Tuesday evening and drew widespread coverage into Wednesday morning, with tributes pouring in from fans and colleagues across the entertainment industry.
Remembering Fiona, a Teen Who Loved to Dance
Fiona was born on November 16, 2012, and was the second of the three daughters shared by Lowe and Painter. Their eldest, Mabel, is 17, and their youngest, Nixie, is 10.
Just last November, Chad celebrated Fiona’s 13th birthday with a sweet Instagram tribute. Alongside a photo of her posing on a bridge in a white shirt, shorts, and cowboy boots, he wrote: “Celebrating Fiona officially becoming a teen today!! Keep dancing through life FiBear! Love you soooo much!!”
However, the family has largely kept their children out of the spotlight over the years, so public glimpses of Fiona were rare — which makes that birthday post, now being reshared by grieving fans, all the more poignant.
A Difficult Two Years for the Lowe Family
Fiona’s death comes after a painful stretch for the family. In early 2025, their Pacific Palisades home was destroyed in the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. About a month after evacuating, Chad shared photos of his daughters returning to see what remained of the house where they grew up.
“The way they’ve handled this whole devastating experience is nothing short of remarkable,” he wrote at the time. “I am in awe of their spirit and resilience.” He added that “being their dad is my life’s greatest joy and privilege.”
As a result, the family’s loss this week has hit especially hard for those who followed their recovery from the fire — a journey Chad documented with visible pride in his daughters’ strength.
Who Is Chad Lowe?
Chad Lowe, 58, is the younger brother of actor Rob Lowe. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for playing Jesse McKenna on the drama series Life Goes On, a role that made him one of the most recognized young stars of the early 1990s. Fans also know him from Pretty Little Liars, and more recently he appeared in a recurring role on 9-1-1: Lone Star — playing the onscreen brother of his real-life brother Rob.
Lowe’s Family Life Away From the Cameras
Lowe was previously married to Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank from 1997 to 2007. He married producer Kim Painter in 2010, and the couple went on to welcome their three daughters. In addition to acting, Lowe has worked as a director on several television series.
The news also lands during a somber week for Hollywood. Just days ago, the entertainment world mourned the loss of Saved by the Bell star Dennis Haskins, who died at 75, and fans are still celebrating John Goodman’s remarkable 200-pound weight loss reveal on the red carpet.
Support Pours In for the Grieving Family
Since the announcement, messages of support have flooded social media from fans, friends, and fellow actors. Meanwhile, Fiona’s school community was also notified: according to Page Six, the school sent an email to families confirming the death of a student, writing, “Our sincere condolences go out to the student’s family, friends and teachers. Counselors are available to meet with students and staff who may need emotional support during this difficult time.”
For now, the family has not announced any memorial arrangements. They have asked for prayers and privacy as they grieve — a request the industry appears united in honoring.
For more on this developing story, see Just Jared’s coverage and BuzzFeed’s report. You can also catch up on Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi’s Paris Fashion Week date night, one of this week’s most-read stories.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, emotional distress, or just needs someone to talk to, call or text 988 in the United States to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.