Medical Examiner Confirms Suicide in Death of Chad Lowe’s 13-Year-Old Daughter Fiona

Key points

• Fiona Lowe, 13, died by suicide on September 29, 2026, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
• The family released a statement on September 29 describing Fiona as 'the light of our lives' and requesting privacy.
• The family urged those struggling with mental health to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
• Fiona was the middle child of Chad Lowe and Kim Painter, who also have daughters Mabel, 17, and Nixie, 10.
• Chad Lowe, an Emmy-winning actor, frequently posted about his family on social media, including a post from Fiona’s 13th birthday in November 2025.
• Fiona’s school sent an email to parents offering counseling resources without naming the student.

Background

Chad Lowe and Kim Painter have been together for nearly two decades, with Lowe being the younger brother of actor Rob Lowe. Painter is a producer and casting professional with credits including 'Enemy of the State' and 'Ted Bundy.' The family had previously faced trauma when their Los Angeles home was destroyed in the 2025 Palisades Fire. Chad Lowe often spoke about being proud of his 'girl dad' status and frequently praised Fiona for her accomplishments on social media.

How outlets are covering it

Page Six and Fox News both reported the medical examiner’s confirmation of suicide, while NBC News initially reported the death without disclosing the cause. All outlets emphasized the family’s request for privacy and their urging of mental health support. Page Six and Fox News highlighted the family’s statement describing Fiona as 'the light of our lives,' while NBC News focused on the family’s request for privacy and the school’s response. All outlets noted the family’s previous trauma from the 2025 Palisades Fire, but only Page Six and Fox News explicitly mentioned the medical examiner’s confirmation.

Why it matters

The death of a child by suicide is a tragic event that highlights the importance of mental health support and resources. The family’s public statement and the school’s response demonstrate the impact of such a loss on a community. The confirmation of the cause of death by the medical examiner provides clarity and may help in understanding the circumstances surrounding the death. The family’s previous trauma from the 2025 Palisades Fire adds a layer of context to their current grief.

What to watch

The family has requested privacy and prayers, and it is likely that they will continue to grieve privately. The school may continue to offer counseling resources to students and staff. The family may also share more details in the future, but for now, they are asking for privacy. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline may see an increase in calls and texts as a result of the family’s public statement.