Hayden Panettiere, the actress known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, has died at the age of 36. Her representative confirmed the news to ABC News, and a statement from her father, Skip Panettiere, was issued through the outlet.
Family statement and tributes
In the statement, Skip Panettiere said: "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." The family has asked for privacy as they come to terms with their loss. The circumstances surrounding her death have not been clarified.
Following the news, Panettiere's final social media post, an image with director and podcaster Randall Slavin uploaded in July, became an online tribute site. American actress Selma Blair commented: "I love you. Don't be gone. Don't be gone. Please. Please." Other fans shared their shock and condolences, with one writing: "My stomach hurts. I'm trying to understand this. Like dude no." Another said: "This is the most shocking news. I remember seeing one of your first roles in Remember the Titans. Loved your work in Heroes as well. Rest easy and may god be with you, Hayden."
Career and recent memoir
Panettiere's death comes months after the release of her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, which arrived in bookshops on 19 May. In the book, the mother of one detailed some of her experiences working in Hollywood as a young performer. She described an incident where an Academy Award-winning actor allegedly exposed himself to her at a gathering, as well as a troubling event on a yacht where a trusted, unnamed companion positioned her in bed beside a "very famous" naked man.
Beyond Heroes and Nashville, Panettiere's credits include the films I Love You, Beth Cooper, Scream 4, and Scream VI, as well as the television film Amanda Knox. The Express has contacted her publicist for further comment.
