New information has emerged about the death of actor Chad Lowe’s 13-year-old daughter, Fiona, after records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner listed her death as suicide.
The records state that Fiona died at a hospital on Tuesday, September 29. Her family had previously announced her death in a statement describing the teenager as the “light of our lives” and directing people experiencing a mental health crisis to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Medical Examiner Records Reveal Cause of Death
According to records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Fiona’s death was ruled a suicide.
The records also indicate that she died at a hospital, differing from an earlier report citing law enforcement sources that said she had died at home after authorities were called to the family’s residence shortly after midnight.
The medical examiner’s records reportedly showed that Fiona’s body was ready to be released to her family, while the case remained listed as open.
Lowe Family Says Fiona Was ‘The Light of Our Lives’
Chad Lowe and his family announced Fiona’s death in an emotional statement in which they remembered her as intelligent, creative and passionate about dancing.
The family said Fiona was deeply loved by her parents and adored by her sisters.
They described the loss as devastating and asked for prayers and privacy while they grieve.
The family concluded its announcement by encouraging anyone struggling with their mental health to seek support through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
School Community Offered Counseling After Student’s Death
Parents at Fiona’s school reportedly received a message from the principal informing them that a student had died.
The email did not publicly identify the student but expressed condolences to the affected family.
School officials also informed parents that counselors would be available to students and employees requiring emotional support as the community processed the loss.
Fiona Was the Middle of Chad Lowe’s Three Daughters
Fiona was one of three daughters Lowe shares with his wife, producer Kim Painter.
The couple welcomed their eldest daughter, Mabel, in 2009. Fiona was born in November 2012, followed by their youngest daughter, Nixie, in 2016.
Lowe and Painter have been married since 2010. The actor was previously married to Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank from 1997 until 2007.
Lowe Celebrated Fiona Becoming a Teenager
Months before her death, Lowe had publicly celebrated Fiona’s 13th birthday with an affectionate social media tribute.
He posted a photograph of his daughter smiling in cowboy boots and celebrated her officially becoming a teenager, encouraging her to continue “dancing through life.”
The actor’s social media accounts have frequently documented family moments involving his three daughters, reflecting a part of his life he has repeatedly described as deeply important to him.
Family Previously Endured Loss of Home in Los Angeles Fires
The Lowe family had experienced another major upheaval after losing their home during the devastating Los Angeles fires.
Lowe previously shared a photograph showing his daughters returning to the remains of their childhood home weeks after they had been evacuated.
The image showed the three sisters standing together as they looked at what remained of the property.
At the time, Lowe praised his daughters for the way they had responded to the experience, describing their resilience as remarkable and saying that helping them through the difficult period had become his primary focus.
Actor Had Written About Anger and Despair After Fire
On the first anniversary of the destruction of the family home, Lowe reflected publicly on the emotional impact of losing the property and possessions his family had accumulated over the years.
He wrote about feelings of anger, frustration and despair while also emphasizing how proud he was of Painter and their daughters for rebuilding their lives after the disaster.
Lowe said support from friends and others around the family had provided comfort, strength and hope during the recovery process.
His comments also paid tribute to people who lost their lives in the fires and other families continuing to deal with their consequences.
Chad Lowe Has Frequently Spoken About Being a Father
Fatherhood has been a recurring subject in Lowe’s public comments.
During an appearance on the Still Here Hollywood podcast in August 2024, the actor described raising daughters as an “incredible privilege.”
He said becoming the father of three girls had influenced how personally he viewed issues affecting women and girls, including inequality and discrimination.
Lowe has also shared lighter family moments publicly, including taking his daughters to a Taylor Swift concert in 2023 and posting photographs from family outings.
Lowe Built Decades-Long Television Career
Lowe, the younger brother of actor Rob Lowe, has worked extensively in television.
He won a Primetime Emmy Award for his performance in the drama series Life Goes On and has appeared in numerous other television productions during his career.
His credits include Melrose Place, ER, 24, Pretty Little Liars and Now and Again.
The actor’s representatives were contacted for further comment following the release of the medical examiner information.
Family Asks for Privacy While Mourning Fiona
For the Lowe family, the focus now remains on grieving a daughter and sister they described as loving, creative and deeply cherished.
Their public statement emphasized Fiona’s personality and her love of dancing while asking people to respect the family’s privacy.
The family also used the announcement to encourage people experiencing emotional distress to seek assistance rather than struggle alone.
In the United States, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides confidential crisis support by calling or texting 988. People elsewhere who are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis can contact their local emergency service or crisis-support organization.
