Hayden Panettiere, the actress best known for her roles in “Heroes,” “Nashville” and the “Scream” franchise, has died at 36.
Panettiere died Sunday, August 16, in Greenville, South Carolina. Her representative confirmed the news in a statement issued on behalf of her father, Alan “Skip” Panettiere.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” the family statement read.
Her father remembered the actress as an “incredible light” who brought joy to both those who knew her personally and millions of fans who watched her onscreen.
A cause of death has not been announced.
Hayden Panettiere’s Cause of Death Is Under Investigation
Authorities have since released preliminary details surrounding Panettiere’s death.
Greenville Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an unresponsive woman at approximately 1:50 p.m. Sunday, according to a police statement obtained by PEOPLE. An acquaintance reportedly placed the 911 call.
Medical assistance was administered after responders arrived, but Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Greenville Police Department and Greenville County Coroner’s Office are investigating her death.
However, authorities said the preliminary investigation has found no indication of foul play or suspicious circumstances.
No official cause of death has been released.
Hayden Panettiere Became a Star on “Heroes”
Panettiere had been working in Hollywood since childhood, appearing in commercials and soap operas before eventually becoming one of television’s most recognizable young stars.
Her breakthrough arrived in 2006 when she was cast as Claire Bennet on NBC’s “Heroes.”
Panettiere played a high school cheerleader with regenerative healing powers and quickly became central to the show’s story and its famous “Save the cheerleader, save the world” tagline.
The role transformed Panettiere into a household name while she was still a teenager.
She later took on another defining television role as country singer Juliette Barnes on ABC’s “Nashville.”
Her performance earned her two Golden Globe nominations, while the role also gave Panettiere an opportunity to showcase her singing voice through music featured on the series.
Panettiere Also Became a Fan Favorite in the “Scream” Franchise
Panettiere developed a loyal following among horror fans after playing Kirby Reed in 2011’s “Scream 4.”
The character became such a favorite that Panettiere returned more than a decade later for “Scream VI” in 2023.
Her career also included roles in “Remember the Titans,” “I Love You, Beth Cooper” and Pixar’s “A Bug’s Life,” in which she voiced Dot. Her work connected to the animated film also earned her a Grammy nomination.
Earlier this year, Panettiere released her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” reflecting on her life, career and personal struggles.
Hollywood Reacts to Hayden Panettiere’s Death
News of Panettiere’s death prompted tributes from across the entertainment industry, with Viola Davis, Kelly Osbourne, Bethany Joy Lenz and others publicly remembering the actress following the announcement.
Panettiere is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko, as well as her parents. Her younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, died in 2023 at age 28.