Rob Lowe opened up about his son's mugging just days before 13-year-old niece's death
Rob Lowe opened up about his son's mugging just days before 13-year-old niece's death
Scarlett O'Toole Fri, October 2, 2026 at 8:10 AM UTC
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Rob Lowe revealed his son was mugged in New York -Credit:Getty Images
Rob Lowe said his son was given a black eye after being mugged while on a night out.
The 62-year-old said he had warned his son, John Owen Lowe, to stay alert before heading on a night out in New York City. John, however, ignored his father's advice and was "mugged by a guy with a knife."
Rob explained how his kids aren't used to life in the Big Apple, saying, "They grew up in Santa Barbara. They're not street smart." He added, "I mean, they may have gone to Stanford and Duke, but they're dummies." It comes as Rob's brother, Chad Lowe, announced the tragic death of his 13-year-old daughter.
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During an appearance on the Chicks in the Office podcast, Rob said he told his son to "keep your head on a swivel" before he headed off to his night out. John Owen responded, "Dad, Dad, I'm fine. I'm going to be fine."
Rob told the podcast hosts, "I'm like, 'John Owen, it's New York. I'm just saying.' He goes, 'Dad, stop it!'" The St. Elmo's Fire star said his son was "home by midnight with a black eye."
Rob Lowe shared his son's experience in New York -Credit:Getty Images for TOM FORD: AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 RUNWAY SHOW
"And had gotten mugged by a guy with a knife because he was on his phone not paying attention," Rob explained. He admitted the experience was scary for him as a father before adding, "But that's the thing is like, you know, it's like all kids are clueless experts."
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Rob shares two sons with his wife, Sheryl Berkoff. Matthew Lowe has stayed largely out of the spotlight, graduating from Duke University and earning a law degree from Loyola Law School. John Owen, however, has followed in his father's footsteps.
John Owen works on the Fox series 9-1-1: Lone Star with his father, and co-created and starred alongside Rob in the Netflix comedy show Unstable.
John Owen Lowe has worked alongside his dad -Credit:John P. Fleenor/Netflix
Rob's comments about his family came just days before the tragic death of his niece, Fiona Hepler Lowe. Rob's brother, Chad Lowe, and his wife, Kim Painter, announced the sad news in a statement.
"We are deeply heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Fiona," they shared. Chad and Kim remembered their 13-year-old daughter as a smart, loving and creative teen, describing her as "the light of our lives."
"She was adored by her sisters and she was deeply loved by her parents," the statement said. "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 Harper Lowe has sadly died -Credit:ichadlowe/Instagram
The couple also urged people to reach out for help if they are struggling with their mental health, writing, "If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988."
After the news of Fiona's death was made public, fans took to X to share their condolences. One person wrote, "Omg, how devastating," while another posted, "This is absolutely terrible. I'm keeping the Lowe family in my thoughts tonight. RIP Fiona."
A third X user commented, "My heart breaks for precious Fiona and the unimaginable pain her family is going through. We never know what someone is secretly fighting. At just 13, she had so much life ahead. Holding Chad Lowe and his family close in my prayers tonight."
If in the United States, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to 988 Lifeline
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
