Renowned Photojournalist Paul Lowe Reportedly Murdered While Hiking

Renowned British photojournalist Paul Lowe, known for his poignant coverage of global conflicts, was tragically stabbed to death during a mountain hike, allegedly by his own teenage son.

At a Glance

Paul Lowe, 60, was fatally stabbed while hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains on October 12, 2024.
His 19-year-old son, Emir Abadzic Lowe, has been charged with his murder.
Lowe was a celebrated war photographer, best known for his work during the Bosnian conflict.
He was a professor at the University of the Arts London and a visiting professor at King’s College London.
Colleagues and the photojournalism community have expressed shock and paid tribute to his contributions.

Tragic End for a Distinguished Career

Paul Lowe, a 60-year-old British photojournalist renowned for his coverage of global conflicts, met a tragic end on October 12, 2024. Lowe was fatally stabbed during a hike in the San Gabriel Mountains near Los Angeles, California. In a shocking turn of events, his 19-year-old son, Emir Abadzic Lowe, has been charged with his murder.

Authorities found Lowe with a stab wound to his neck. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported that a suspect, believed to be Emir Lowe, was seen driving away from the scene and was subsequently involved in a traffic collision a few miles away. He was detained pending further investigation and is now due to appear in court at the West Covina courthouse.

Renowned combat photographer Paul Lowe is dead after allegedly being murdered by his son on a popular Los Angeles hiking trail. https://t.co/HeG2WNllyj

— PetaPixel (@petapixel) October 16, 2024

A Legacy of Visual Storytelling

Paul Lowe’s career spanned decades and continents, capturing some of the most significant world events of our time. He was best known for his work during the Bosnian war, particularly his coverage of the Siege of Sarajevo. Lowe’s lens also documented other pivotal moments in history, including the fall of the Berlin Wall and Nelson Mandela’s release from prison.

“Paul’s work across his career made a ground-breaking impact in the representation of war and conflict and latterly in the complex cultural negotiations involved in peace and reconciliation work,” the University of the Arts London said in a statement. “Paul leaves an incredible legacy as an award-winning photographer, author, critic and, not least, as a truly compassionate educator.”

Lowe’s commitment to capturing the human impact of war was evident in his work. He once said of his time in Sarajevo, “People would risk their lives for a little pleasure. And it could be very hard on kids, who obviously didn’t want to be stuck indoors. During quieter periods, they were able to go outside more — I took a picture of children swimming in the river during a ceasefire. But the river, like so much of the city, was clearly visible to Serbian snipers.”

Educator and Author

Beyond his work as a photojournalist, Lowe was a respected educator. He served as a visiting professor at King’s College London and a professor of photojournalism at the University of the Arts London. Lowe was praised for his empathetic teaching style and his efforts to make photography education more accessible globally through online learning initiatives.

“What surprised me most about him was he wasn’t one of those macho types who only really care about reporting from the frontline,” said Anita Chaudhuri, a columnist for The Guardian.

Lowe authored several books, including “Bosnians,” which received critical acclaim, “Photography Masterclass,” and “Understanding Photojournalism.” His work was published in major outlets like Time, Newsweek, and The Sunday Times Magazine, cementing his place as a leading figure in photojournalism.

A Community in Mourning

The news of Lowe’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through the photojournalism community and academia. Colleagues and students alike have expressed their grief and paid tribute to his contributions and legacy. The VII Academy photography agency, with which Lowe was associated, released a statement saying, “It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of our dear friend and colleague Paul Lowe, whose brilliant life was cut short in Los Angeles, California, on Saturday. Paul was a courageous and beloved comrade, and a deeply devoted father and husband. The loss is shocking and overwhelming, and our hearts go out to his wife and family.”

As the legal proceedings against Emir Lowe unfold, the photojournalism world mourns the loss of a talented storyteller, educator, and humanitarian. Paul Lowe’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through his powerful images, his written works, and the countless students he inspired throughout his career.