Hayden Panettiere, ‘Heroes’ and ‘Nashville’ Star, Dies at 36
Hayden Panettiere, the actress who began her career as a child star and later became widely known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, has died at the age of 36, her representative confirmed to ABC News.
Panettiere died in South Carolina. Her representative said the investigation into her death remains ongoing.
Her father, Skip Panettiere, asked for privacy as the family grieves the unexpected loss.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” he said in a statement. “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.”
Panettiere built a long career in television and film after entering the entertainment industry as a child. She gained widespread recognition for playing Claire Bennet on the hit NBC series Heroes and later starred as Juliette Barnes on the musical drama Nashville.
Her film credits included Remember the Titans, Raising Helen, Ice Princess and Scream 4. She also returned to the role of Kirby Reed in the Scream franchise, appearing in the 2023 film.
Throughout her life, Panettiere spoke openly about the challenges she faced, including addiction, postpartum depression, trauma, domestic abuse and personal loss. In May, she released her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, offering a deeply personal look at her experiences away from the spotlight.
In a 2022 interview with Good Morning America, Panettiere discussed her struggles with alcoholism and postpartum depression, describing the period as one of the most difficult chapters of her life.
Panettiere was the mother of a daughter, Kaya Klitschko, born in 2014 during her relationship with former fiancé and heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko.
Her family also endured another devastating loss in 2023 when her younger brother, Jansen Panettiere, died suddenly at age 28. His death was attributed to an enlarged heart and complications involving his aortic valve.
Hayden later spoke candidly about the grief she experienced following her brother’s death, saying she would always carry the pain of losing him.
Panettiere would have celebrated her 37th birthday on Friday.