Hayden Panettiere, the actress best known for her roles in the television series “Heroes” and “Nashville,” has died at the age of 36, according to media reports.
Her father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed her death in a statement to ABC News, describing her as “an incredible light and a force of nature” who brought love and joy to those around her and to millions of viewers. The family asked for privacy as they grieve the loss.
The cause of death has not been disclosed. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that police responded to an incident involving Panettiere on Sunday and that an investigation is underway.
Born in 1989, Panettiere began her career as a child actor before rising to international fame as Claire Bennet, the superpowered cheerleader in the hit NBC series “Heroes.” She later starred as country singer Juliette Barnes in “Nashville,” a role that earned her two Golden Globe nominations.
Her film credits included “Remember the Titans,” “Ice Princess,” “Scream 4” and “Scream VI.” She also voiced Dot in Pixar’s animated film “A Bug’s Life” and continued working in film and television throughout her career.
Earlier this year, Panettiere released her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” in which she reflected on the pressures of growing up in the entertainment industry and openly discussed her experiences with addiction, postpartum depression and recovery.
Panettiere had also spoken publicly about the difficult decision to relinquish custody of her daughter, Kaya, to the child’s father, former professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko, in 2018. She continued to maintain a close relationship with her daughter.
Her death comes just days before her 37th birthday and follows the death of her younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, in 2023.
Panettiere’s death has prompted tributes from across the entertainment industry, with colleagues and fans remembering her for a career that spanned more than three decades.
AFP
