Chad Lowe’s 13-Year-Old Daughter Fiona Dies Weeks Before Her 14th Birthday

Key points

• Fiona Hepler Lowe, the middle child of Chad Lowe and Kim Painter, died on September 29, 2026, at age 13.
• The family released a statement describing Fiona as 'smart, creative, and loved to dance,' asking for privacy and prayers.
• Law enforcement sources told TMZ that Fiona died at her home, with authorities called to the residence around 12:10 a.m.
• The family included a reference to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in their public statement, though they did not disclose the specific cause of death.
• Chad Lowe had previously praised his daughters' resilience after their Los Angeles home was destroyed in the 2025 Palisades fire.

Background

Chad Lowe and Kim Painter married in 2010 and have three daughters: Mabel (17), Fiona (13), and Nixie (10). In February 2025, the family’s home in the Pacific Palisades was destroyed by wildfires, an event Lowe publicly acknowledged as a test of their family's resilience. Fiona was born on November 16, 2012, and had just turned 13 the previous November.

How outlets are covering it

Page Six highlighted Lowe’s previous public expressions of gratitude for fatherhood, noting his December 2025 comments on the 'Still Here Hollywood' podcast about the privilege of raising daughters. Variety focused on the family’s official statement and the immediate confirmation of the death, noting the inclusion of mental health resources. The Chicago Tribune, citing law enforcement sources via TMZ, provided specific details that Fiona died at home and that authorities were called at 12:10 a.m., a detail not present in the other outlets. All outlets agreed on the family’s request for privacy and the description of Fiona as a dancer.

Why it matters

The death of a minor child of a public figure often draws intense media scrutiny, but the family’s request for privacy and the inclusion of crisis resources signal a desire to focus on grief rather than speculation. The timing, occurring shortly after the family’s recovery from a major disaster, underscores the compounding nature of trauma for the household.

What to watch

The family has requested privacy and has not disclosed further details regarding the cause of death or funeral arrangements. Public attention is expected to remain focused on the family’s statement and the broader conversation around youth mental health, as indicated by their reference to the 988 lifeline.