An autopsy on Hayden Panettiere has found no signs of trauma, but her cause of death remains unconfirmed. The 36-year-old actress, known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, was found unresponsive at her home in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday.
Autopsy findings
The Greenville County coroner's office completed a post-mortem examination and said that "no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death." However, officials have not yet confirmed her cause and manner of death. Further tests must be completed before the cause can be determined, and police are continuing to investigate the circumstances.
Officers responded to the property after an acquaintance reported that Panettiere was "unresponsive" and in "cardiac arrest." Despite efforts to revive her, her family later confirmed her death.
Tributes from family and co-stars
Her father, Skip Panettiere, said in a statement: "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden." He added: "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 asked for privacy as the family processes the loss.
Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis, who worked with Panettiere, paid tribute, describing her as an "old, wise soul with such a deep heart." Davis wrote: "What an amazing talent you were….so gifted. Julius and I loved working with you….an old, wise soul with such a deep heart." She added: "I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming. I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes. Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy."
Bethany Joy Lenz, a long-time friend, said she was "crushed" by her death. In a social media post, she recalled meeting Panettiere as a child and wrote: "I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen. She ran through the Screen Gem studio hallways at 222 E44th St. laughing and playing games in between blocking and camera rehearsals." She added: "I don't understand how this is real. Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming BACK to life, wasn't she? It's too young and there's still so much more life. And her daughter…. Hayden, you are surround by love."
Career highlights
Panettiere began acting as a child, appearing in soap operas before gaining wider recognition in the 2000 sports drama Remember The Titans alongside Denzel Washington, and as the voice of Dot in Pixar's 1998 film A Bug's Life. She later played cheerleader Claire Bennet in Heroes and starred as Juliette Barnes for six seasons on Nashville, earning two Golden Globe nominations. Her singing on the show produced 11 entries on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.
Her film credits include Bring It On: All Or Nothing, Raising Helen, and appearances in Scream 4 and Scream VI as Kirby Reed. Panettiere leaves behind her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya Klitschko.
