Fiona Hepler Lowe, the 13-year-old daughter of actor Chad Lowe, died by suicide, according to a medical examiner document shared with People magazine.
The teenager was pronounced dead at 1:14 a.m. at a local hospital on Tuesday, September 29. Official findings from the medical examiner confirming the cause of her death were subsequently released on Thursday, October 1.
Her family had previously confirmed her passing in an initial statement provided to People, although the specific cause of death had remained undisclosed until the official coroner documentation was made public.
In their statement, the family shared that they were deeply devastated by the loss of their beloved Fiona. They explained that she was adored by her sisters, deeply loved by her parents, and was truly the light of their lives.
The family also asked the public for prayers and privacy during this painful time. In addition, they encouraged anyone who is currently dealing with mental health difficulties or emotional struggles to reach out and seek help.
Tributes and community reaction
Following the announcement of her death, a source close to the family spoke to People about how Fiona was remembered by those who knew her well. The source said that people close to the teenager remembered her as sweet, quiet and gentle.
The source also explained that Fiona's school and the local community where she lived were left deeply shaken by the tragedy. Fiona was heavily involved in creative activities and considered dance to be one of her greatest passions.
Chad Lowe and his wife, television producer Kim Painter, welcomed Fiona on November 16, 2012. She was the middle child of the couple's three daughters, between her 17-year-old elder sister, Mabel Painter, and her 10-year-old younger sister, Nixie Barbara.
Television career and family background
Chad Lowe, 58, has worked as an actor and director in American television for more than four decades. He is widely recognized for playing Byron Montgomery, the father of Aria Montgomery, in the popular Freeform teen drama series Pretty Little Liars, a role he portrayed across multiple seasons while also directing several episodes of the program.
Earlier in his career, he achieved critical acclaim for his performance as Jesse McKenna in the television drama Life Goes On, which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 1993. His television credits also include playing White House operative Reed Pollock in the action thriller series 24.
Chad is the younger brother of Hollywood actor Rob Lowe, who became a prominent star in the 1980s through films such as The Outsiders and St. Elmo's Fire before earning acclaim in television dramas including The West Wing. Chad married Kim Painter, 52, in 2010 after several years together.
Home destroyed in Pacific Palisades wildfire
Fiona's death comes after another severe hardship that the Lowe family navigated earlier in the year. In early 2025, the Lowe family residence in Pacific Palisades was completely destroyed by wildfires that swept across the California region.
Pacific Palisades is an affluent residential neighbourhood on the Westside of Los Angeles, situated along the coast between Santa Monica and Malibu. The area has faced recurring threats from fast-moving brush fires that periodically impact Southern California communities.
In February 2025, Chad revealed that he had returned to the site of the destruction with his three daughters so they could see what remained of the house where they had grown up. The actor wrote at the time that nearly a month after they evacuated, their girls were finally able to return to see what was left of their home.
Chad also stated that he was deeply impressed by the resilience with which his daughters handled the devastating loss of their family home. He explained that helping his daughters navigate that difficult period and rebuild their lives together was his main purpose as a parent.
Mental health support resources
The Lowe family's message encouraging people to seek support highlights resources available for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress.
In the United States, free and confidential emotional support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling or texting the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or by visiting 988lifeline.org.
In the United Kingdom, individuals in distress can speak with the Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or by visiting samaritans.org for free and confidential guidance.
In Brazil, where news of the tragedy was also reported, the Centro de Valorizacao da Vida offers free, round-the-clock emotional support and suicide prevention services by telephone at 188 or online through cvv.org.br.
