Actor and director Chad Lowe and his wife, producer Kim Painter, are mourning the tragic loss of their middle daughter, Fiona, who has passed away at the age of 13.
The family confirmed the devastating news in an official statement released on Tuesday, September 29, remembering the teenager’s bright spirit, creativity, and love for performance.
“We are deeply heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Fiona. She was a loving young girl who was smart, creative and loved to dance,” the family shared in a statement to Page Six. “She was adored by her sisters and she was deeply loved by her parents. In fact, she was the light of our lives. Her passing is devastating for our entire family and we ask for prayers and privacy at this time.”
In their message, the family directed readers toward crisis resources for mental health support: “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.”
Parents of students attending the school Fiona attended received an email Tuesday morning from the school principal confirming the loss of a student, though the email refrained from naming the child directly.
“It is with deep sadness that I am calling you to advise you of the death of one of our students,” the principal wrote in the communication obtained by Page Six. “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.”
Lowe, 58, and Painter have been married since August 2010 and share two other daughters: Mabel, 17, and Nixie, 10. Lowe was previously married to Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank from 1997 until their split in January 2006.
The Life Goes On and Pretty Little Liars star—who is the younger brother of actor Rob Lowe—frequently took to social media to celebrate his daughters. In November 2025, he marked Fiona’s 13th birthday with a heartwarming photograph.
“Celebrating Fiona officially becoming a teen today!!” Lowe captioned the photo of Fiona smiling in cowboy boots. “Keep dancing through life FiBear! Love you soooo much!!”
The tragedy follows a challenging period for the family, who lost their Los Angeles home during the catastrophic Pacific Palisades fire in early 2025. In February 2025, Lowe praised his daughters’ strength while sharing photos of them standing together at the property site.
“The way they’ve handled this whole devastating experience is nothing short of remarkable,” he wrote. “I am in awe of their spirit and resilience. Helping them navigate these tough times is my sole purpose. Being their dad is my life’s greatest joy and privilege.”
Lowe also reflected on his experience raising three young women during an August 2024 appearance on the Still Here Hollywood podcast, calling “girl dad” life a transformative privilege.
“It takes what I’ve known intellectually about women and all of equality and the glass ceiling that’s there, and how it’s a misogynistic world in a lot of ways … and it’s put it in my heart, because I have three daughters,” Lowe shared. “And so I look at the world, really, from their perspective.”
He noted at the time that he felt encouraged by cultural shifts regarding gender equity: “So I see how we’re really becoming conscious of the role of women.”
