The dance teacher of Chad Lowe’s daughter Fiona, who died by suicide at 13 earlier this week, has shared a heartfelt tribute to the teen.
Posting via her Instagram on Friday, October 2, Kendra Andrews shared a video of Fiona practising her dance moves in a studio while a woman, seemingly Andrews herself, called out words of encouragement and praise.
“This first video was taken only a month after you lost your home in the fire. You came into the studio like you always did for all the years I’ve known you…excited with a beaming bright smile and a big, warm hug for me,” Andrews wrote.
She continued, “The next video is our second rehearsal a few weeks later. You had clearly spent so much time outside of the studio working hard to fine tune and finesse. Your passion and determination were incredibly beautiful to witness. I didn’t film when you performed it on stage a couple days later, as I wanted to be fully present and soak it in. I just watched from the wings, heart swelling with pride and my eyes flooding with tears of joy.”
Andrews paid tribute to Fiona as she concluded the caption, adding that she feels “shattered” over the loss.
“FiFi, I love you more than words can convey. It was an honor to teach you, laugh with you, and watch you grow,” Andrews wrote. “Our hearts are shattered. We will never be the same without you here. I will miss you and love you forever♥️ Chad, Kim, Mabel, and Nixie…I love you and I’m thinking of you nonstop.”
News of Fiona’s death first broke on Tuesday, September 29. “We are deeply heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Fiona,” Chad, 58, and his wife Kim Painter, 52, said in a joint statement.
The couple — who also share daughters Mabel, 17, and Nixie, 10, — described Fiona as “a loving young girl who was smart, creative, and loved to dance.”
“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,” the statement said. “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.”
The Los Angeles medical examiner said on Thursday, October 1, that Fiona was pronounced dead at 1:14 a.m. local time Tuesday. Her death was ruled a suicide, per the coroner’s office.
Chad, the younger brother of actor Rob Lowe, and Painter wed in 2010. Chad was previously married to Hilary Swank from 1997 to 2007.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
