American actress Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles in the hit television shows “Heroes” and “Nashville,” has died at the age of 36.
Her father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed her death in a statement to US media on Sunday.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen,” the statement read.
The details surrounding her death were not immediately available, and an investigation is reportedly ongoing. Law enforcement sources confirmed that police responded to an incident involving the actress on Sunday.
Panettiere’s career spanned over three decades. She began acting as a child, landing her first role on the soap opera “One Life to Live” at just four years old.
She rose to international fame playing Claire Bennet, a cheerleader with regenerative powers, in the popular sci-fi series “Heroes,” which ran from 2006 to 2010. She later earned critical acclaim and two Golden Globe nominations for her role as country singer Juliette Barnes in the musical drama “Nashville” .
Her film credits included roles in “Remember the Titans,” “Raising Helen,” and the “Scream” horror franchise .
In recent years, Panettiere was open about her personal struggles, including addiction, postpartum depression, and the grief of losing her younger brother, Jansen, in 2023 . Earlier this year, she released a candid memoir titled “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” reflecting on her life and these challenges .
She is survived by her daughter, Kaya, from a previous relationship with former professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko .
Her father requested privacy for the family as they mourn their “unimaginable loss” .
