The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner has released a new case update following the death of Chad Lowe and his wife Kim Painter’s daughter, Fiona Hepler Lowe.
Cause of death
A case update released Oct. 1 states that Fiona Hepler Lowe died in a hospital on Sept. 29. She was 13.
The update lists the manner of death as suicide. The case remains open.
The family’s statement
Lowe and Painter shared the news of Fiona’s death on Sept. 29 in a family statement, asking for privacy as they grieve.
“We are deeply heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Fiona,” the family wrote.
They described her as “a loving young girl who was smart, creative, and loved to dance,” and said she “was adored by her sisters and she was deeply loved by her parents.” The statement continued: “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.”
The family also shared a resource for anyone who may need help: “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.”
About Chad Lowe
Lowe, 58, is an Emmy Award winner best known for his role as a teen on the ABC comedy-drama Life Goes On. He is also the younger brother of Rob Lowe.
He and Painter, 52, have been married since 2010 and welcomed Fiona in November 2012. They also share two other daughters, Mabel, 17, and Nixie Barbara, 10.
Youth suicide and support
Suicide is a leading cause of death among youth and adults in the United States, according to the CDC.
It is the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10-14 in the U.S. and the third leading cause of death among people ages 15-24, per the National Alliance of Mental Illness.
How to help someone at risk
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s BeThe1To website outlines action steps for supporting someone who may be thinking about suicide. One step is to ask directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” Then listen to their answer and “Help them focus on their reasons for living.”
Additional steps include staying connected in a real way, including by phone, helping the person reach a support system such as the 988 Lifeline and local community resources, and checking in again afterward so they are not left to navigate things alone.
Common risk factors
According to the National Alliance of Mental Health, factors associated with an increased risk for suicide include:
- Prior suicide attempts
- Family history of suicide
- History of mental health conditions such as severe depression, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders
- Substance misuse
- Impulsivity or aggressiveness
- Serious family problems
- Breakups or other major relationship losses
- Access to means for self-harm (unsecured firearms, prescription medications, poisons)
- Social isolation
- History of traumatic experiences such as sexual violence or severe episodes of racial prejudice/violence, bullying
- Lack of access to mental health care
- Multiple exposures to suicide in one’s community or through unsafe coverage of suicide in the media
If you need help now
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call or text 988 any time day or night, or chat online through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message when you text 741741.