Hayden Panettiere, who rose to prominence twenty years ago as a cheerleader possessing extraordinary abilities on the TV series Heroes and achieved success in country music portraying a singer in Nashville, has passed away at the age of 36.
Authorities reported that Panettiere was discovered unresponsive in an apartment in Greenville, S.C., just before 2 p.m. on Sunday. Despite efforts to resuscitate her, she was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The cause of death has not been ascertained, and an investigation into Panettiere’s passing is ongoing. A post-mortem examination revealed no indications of physical injury, and law enforcement stated that there were no indications of foul play.
Actress Viola Davis, who co-starred with Panettiere in the 2016 movie Custody, expressed her sorrow on Instagram, describing Panettiere as a remarkably talented individual. Actor David Arquette, who collaborated with Panettiere on Scream 4, also conveyed his condolences, praising her courage and brilliance.
Panettiere, who would have celebrated her 37th birthday on Friday, had been candid about her personal struggles, detailing them extensively in her memoir This Is Me: A Reckoning, released in May. She disclosed enduring lasting effects from her early fame and admitted to battling alcohol addiction and postpartum depression following the birth of her daughter with Wladimir Klitschko in 2014.
In a statement provided to ABC, Panettiere’s father, Skip Panettiere, mourned her tragic passing, describing her as a radiant presence who brought immense love and joy to those who knew her personally and through her on-screen performances.
The news of Panettiere’s demise prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues alike, remembering her for her talent and resilience. Viola Davis praised Panettiere’s strength and expressed her heartfelt farewell, while Rosie O’Donnell, in an Instagram post, shared her devastation over the loss.
Panettiere’s legacy as a versatile performer includes her iconic role as a cheerleader with superhuman abilities in Heroes and her portrayal of a spirited country singer in Nashville, which garnered her critical acclaim and accolades. She also starred in various films and TV shows, showcasing her range and talent across different genres.