The coroner has confirmed that Fiona Lowe, the 13-year-old daughter of Emmy-winning actor and director Chad Lowe and producer Kim Painter, died by suicide. Fiona was pronounced dead at a local hospital at 1.14am on Tuesday, September 29, and the coroner's office has since formally confirmed the manner of her death.
Family's Heartbreak Over Fiona Lowe's Death
Lowe and Painter announced the devastating news of their daughter's passing the day after her death, releasing a statement that spoke to the profound grief gripping their family.
"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 couple said. "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."
Fiona was the second eldest of the couple's children. At the time of the announcement, no official cause of death had been provided, though the parents used the statement to encourage anyone struggling with their mental health to reach out for support — prompting widespread speculation about the circumstances surrounding her death.
Tributes Pour In for a 'Beautiful Soul'
Since news of Fiona's death broke, tributes have flowed from family, friends and fans alike. Chad Lowe's father shared a photograph of his granddaughter on Instagram, captioning it simply: "Rest in peace sweet Fiona."
Actor David Boreanaz, a friend of the family, also paid tribute on social media, describing Fiona as a "beautiful soul" and writing: "May she be surrounded in light and dance in heaven with all the angels."
Those who knew Fiona within her school and local community have described her as "sweet, quiet and kind", with dance cited as her greatest passion. Sources close to the community noted that many of her friends were visibly grieving, and that her school and broader community were coming together to honour her memory.
"This is a devastating time for the community," one source said. "She had a very artistic soul. She was always kind to other students."
A Young Life Celebrated Too Briefly
Chad Lowe — best known for his roles in Life Goes On and Pretty Little Liars, and the younger brother of Hollywood actor Rob Lowe — had publicly celebrated Fiona turning 13 just last November, sharing a warm tribute on social media.
"Celebrating Fiona officially becoming a teen today! Keep dancing through life, FiBear! Love you soooo much!" he wrote alongside a photo of his daughter at the time.
That post has since been flooded with heartfelt messages from fans paying their respects following the news of her death.
Mental Health Support Available
The loss of a young person to suicide is a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and early intervention. Fiona's parents themselves urged anyone in need to seek help when they announced her passing.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available around the clock. Lifeline can be reached on 13 11 14. For support with depression and anxiety, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, or speak with your GP, a local health professional, or someone you trust.
