The cause of death of actor and director Chad Lowe’s 13-year-old daughter, Fiona, has been confirmed as suicide by the coroner’s office.
Fiona, the second eldest child of Lowe and his wife, producer Kim Painter, was pronounced dead at a local hospital at 1.14am on Tuesday, September 29.
Lowe and Painter announced their daughter’s death on Wednesday, describing her as “smart, creative and loved to dance”.
“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 in a statement.
“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.”
Tributes paid to Fiona
Tributes have since been paid to Fiona by members of her family, friends and the wider community, with those who knew her describing her as sweet, quiet and kind.
Lowe’s father shared a photograph of his granddaughter alongside the words: “Rest in peace sweet Fiona.”
Actor David Boreanaz, a friend of the family, called Fiona a “beautiful soul”.
“May she be surrounded in light and dance in heaven with all the angels,” he wrote.
A source said Fiona’s school and community were coming together to honour her memory, adding that dance had been her “biggest passion” and that she had an “artistic soul”.
Lowe, the Emmy-winning star of Life Goes On and Pretty Little Liars, had publicly marked Fiona’s 13th birthday in November last year.
“Celebrating Fiona officially becoming a teen today! Keep dancing through life, FiBear! Love you soooo much!” he wrote at the time.
Fans have since left tributes on the post.
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For information about depression, contact beyondblue on 1300 224 636, or speak to a GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
