What happened to Paul Lowe? Son Emir Lowe arrested as famous British war photographer found dead near Los Angeles hiking trail 

Paul Lowe when he was officiated as a Professor at the University of the Arts London (Image via Instagram @paullowephotography)
Paul Lowe when he was officiated as a Professor at the University of the Arts London (Image via Instagram @paullowephotography)

Paul Lowe, a veteran British war photographer and professor at the University of the Arts London was found stabbed to death near a popular hiking trail near Stoddard Canyon Falls in the San Gabriel Mountains.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Paul's 19-year-old son Emir Lowe has been arrested as the prime suspect. Emir was identified as the person who fled the scene in a vehicle that later crashed just a few miles away.

Paul Lowe was discovered on the hiking trail with injuries to his upper torso and a fatal stab wound to his neck. He was declared dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that his death was caused by a stab wound to the neck.

Emir Lowe is currently being held at the Los Angeles County Jail with a bond set at $2 million. He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.


A quick look at Paul Lowe's decades-long career

Paul Lowe was widely known for his work during the Bosnian War, particularly the Siege of Sarajevo (1995), where his photographs captured some of the most harrowing moments of the conflict. His images have been published globally and have contributed to historical documentation of wars and crises around the world.

He had reported on major global events, including the fall of the Berlin Wall, Nelson Mandela’s release, famine in Africa, the Yugoslav Wars, and the devastation of Grozny.

In April 2005, he published Bosnians, which chronicles a decade of war and its aftermath in Bosnia. His research centered on conflict photography.

The news of his unexpected death has sparked widespread disbelief and sorrow, prompting people from around the globe to share their heartfelt condolences and reactions.

Post-Conflict Research Center (PCRC) posted a heartfelt goodbye note for Paul Lowe on their official X account.

Another post stated:

"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Professor Paul Lowe, a brilliant photojournalist and cherished colleague. Visiting Professor in@warstudies, Paul worked closely with our Art and Reconciliation team. We send our deepest condolences to his family."

Another user who claims to be a former student of Paul Lowe's wrote:

"Thank you for writing this eulogy of Paul. He was my lecturer and tutor from 2021-23. I'm still in shock. The one piece of consolation I take from his tragic end is that before death, he had lived a courageous life, with humanity, and a love for humanity, in his viewfinder."

As the entire world reels from the loss of a great photographer with tremendous accolades to his name, we are sure Paul Lowe will be remembered for his iconic photography by all the students he's taught and the lives he's touched throughout his life.

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Edited by Mudeet Arora