Actor Chad Lowe and his wife Kim Painter have confirmed the death of their 13-year-old daughter Fiona. The couple shared the news in a statement, describing Fiona as “a loving young girl who was smart, creative, and loved to dance.” They added: "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."
Details of the tragedy
No cause of death has been revealed. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that the teen died at home on Tuesday, and that authorities were called to the home at 12:10 am. Fiona was one of three daughters of Chad and Kim. She was born in 2012 and would have turned 14 on November 16. She is the sister of Mabel, 17, and Nixie, 10.
Earlier in the year, Chad posted a video on Instagram saying he was "blessed" to be a girl dad, adding: "This is what it's all about."
Family's loss a year after fire
The tragedy comes a year after the family home was destroyed in the Pacific Palisades fire. In January last year, a massive 1,200-acre brush fire tore through the celebrity enclave. An evacuation order was put into effect, with the Los Angeles Fire Department saying in a statement: "The Palisades Fire is burning near Palisades Drive. Those nearby should get set for a potential wildfire evacuation by gathering supplies and loved ones."
The fire was spread through rapid 55mph winds, which were a "near worst case scenario" for residents, according to meteorologist Paul Deano. At the time, then-US President Joe Biden said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he was "frequently" being briefed on the fires and was offering full federal support to help suppress the blaze. He advised those affected to "stay vigilant" and "listen to local officials".
Marking a year after the devastation, Chad posted on Instagram explaining how the family's lives "got turned upside down by a completely preventable catastrophe". He added: "It’s hard not to let the anger, despair, and frustration overwhelm. Losing everything I ever owned and the home we raised our family in is still deeply painful to this day. However, this terrible experience has been a powerful reminder of this simple truth - we can’t always control what happens to us in this life but we can control how we respond. And I have been so incredibly proud of how my wife Kim and our daughters have strived to make the absolute best of this extraordinarily difficult circumstance. I am in awe of their resilience."
Chad later explained how Fiona and her sisters had returned to see what remained of the home where they grew up. Kim and Chad had been married since 2010. He is the brother of actor Rob Lowe. Chad is known for his roles in Pretty Little Liars and Supergirl, and won an Emmy Award for his part in Life Goes On.
The statement ended by urging people to reach out for help if they are struggling with their mental health, and the family included details for the US 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for anyone struggling with their mental health.
