The Hollywood star’s family confirmed her death this morning
Hayden Panettiere has passed away at 36(Image: Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)
Hayden Panettiere’s death is currently under investigation as her publicist shared an update following the tragic news of the star’s passing at 36-years-old.
A representative for the mum-of-one, best known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, confirmed her death on Monday (August 17).
In a heartbreaking statement from her dad Skip, he described Hayden as an “incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her.”
Cops in Greenville, South Carolina, have since further details of the actress’ death as they revealed an “acquaintance” of Panettiere phoned 911 and emergency services attended the scene yesterday, the M.E.N reports.
A statement from the Greenville Police Department explained that officers “accompanied by EMS personnel, responded to a report of an unresponsive female” at around 1.50 p.m. Sunday (August 16).
“Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered; however, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene,” the statement continued, according to NBC.
“The case is under investigation by the Greenville Police Department in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office. The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An acquaintance of Ms. Panettiere placed the 911 call.”
Panettiere’s publicist, Kasey Kitchen, also confirmed that her death was being investigated.
Speaking to NB, she said: “There’s an investigation ongoing. “We should know more tomorrow.” No official cause of death has yet been announced.
An earlier statement from her father, Skip, read: “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.”
Her father also asked that her family be given privacy as they “take time to process this unimaginable loss”.
The Panettiere family also lost their only son, Jansen in February 2023 at 28-years-old due to an enlarged heart.
Hayden previously spoke of the devastating loss of her younger brother, saying it felt like a piece of her soul died when he passed.
The late actress began her acting career at a young age, starring in soap operas before her breakthrough role in the 2000 film Remember the Titans alongside Denzel Washington.
She later played the role of cheerleader Claire Bennet in the superhero drama Heroes before portraying the rising country singer Juliette Barnes for six seasons on the hit TV series Nashville.
Panettiere’s other film credits include Ice Princess in 2005 alongside the late Michelle Trachtenberg, Bring It On: All Or Nothing (2006) and her role as Kirby Reed in Scream 4 and Scream VI.
