Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in hit TV shows like “Heroes” and “Nashville,” has passed away at the age of 36. The actor’s father, Skip, confirmed the sad news in a statement released to ABC News and The Guardian on Sunday.
The cause of death has not been disclosed. Authorities in Greenville, S.C., responded to a call regarding an unresponsive female at the Judson Mill Lofts on Sunday afternoon. Despite life-saving efforts, Panettiere was declared deceased at the scene.
Law enforcement stated there were no indications of foul play or suspicious circumstances, mentioning that a friend of Panettiere had contacted emergency services. An autopsy is scheduled to be conducted by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.
Panettiere, who was to celebrate her 37th birthday on Friday, began her acting career as a child, appearing in commercials and soap operas. Her portrayal of a cheerleader with extraordinary abilities in “Heroes” catapulted her to stardom in 2006, with the show’s iconic tagline being “Save the cheerleader, save the world.”
Following her success on “Heroes,” Panettiere starred as a spirited country singer opposite Connie Britton in “Nashville,” which aired on ABC for four seasons before being picked up by CMT. She showcased her own vocal talents on the series, leading to several country chart hits and earning her two Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actress.
Tragically, Panettiere’s younger brother, Jansen, an actor as well, passed away in 2023 at the age of 28 due to a heart condition. The actress had been candid about her battles with alcoholism and depression, particularly after giving birth to her daughter in 2014 with former boxer Wladimir Klitschko.
In a recent interview, Panettiere discussed the custody arrangements for her 11-year-old daughter, who resides full-time with Klitschko in Ukraine. She clarified misconceptions about relinquishing custody, attributing the decision to her struggles with mental health issues and substance abuse.
Panettiere’s untimely death has elicited an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans alike, commemorating her talent and spirit. Personalities such as Viola Davis, Jay Shetty, David Arquette, and Rosie O’Donnell have expressed their condolences and admiration for the late actress.