American actress Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles in the television series Heroes and Nashville, has died at the age of 36, according to multiple media reports.
Her father confirmed her death in a statement to ABC News, describing the actress as a remarkable person whose life touched both her loved ones and millions of fans around the world.
“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,” he said.
He appealed for privacy for the family as they come to terms with what he described as an unimaginable loss.
The circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death have not been disclosed. TMZ, however, reported that an investigation into the cause of death was ongoing.
Born in 1989, Panettiere began her career as a child actress before establishing herself as a prominent television and film star.
She gained widespread recognition for playing Claire Bennet in Heroes and later starred as Juliette Barnes in Nashville.
Her film credits include Remember the Titans, Ice Princess, Scream 4 and Scream VI.
Beyond acting, Panettiere also documented significant parts of her personal life in her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, published in May.
In the book, she reflected on the challenges of growing up in the entertainment industry, as well as her struggles with addiction and her journey through recovery.
She had also spoken publicly about her strained relationship with her mother, who managed her career during her childhood and later criticised aspects of the memoir.
Panettiere’s death marks the loss of an actress who rose to fame at a young age and remained a familiar figure in Hollywood for decades.
