BBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay shared the tragic news of the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, shortly after 6am. The American actress died at the age of 36.
Statement from the family
Kay read a statement reported by ABC News, in which her representative described her as "an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her." Her father, Skip Panettiere, also released a statement via the American news network, requesting privacy as the family grapples with their loss. He 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 circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, and no cause of death has been confirmed.
Tributes on social media
On social media, the mum-of-one's last Instagram post - a photograph of herself with director and podcaster Randall Slavin, shared in July - has become a memorial where friends and co-stars have been paying tribute. Fellow American actress Selma Blair wrote underneath the post: "I love you. Don’t be gone. Don’t be gone. Please. Please."
A second user wrote: "My stomach hurts. I'm trying to understand this. Like dude no." A third added: "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." A fourth shared: "You deserved an easier, more peaceful, and much, much longer life. Rest Easy."
Recent memoir and career
Her death comes mere months after her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, hit bookstores on May 19. In the book, she shed light on some of her experiences navigating Hollywood as a teenage star. The Scream actress recounted an incident in which an Oscar-winning actor allegedly exposed himself to her at a party, as well as a disturbing episode aboard a yacht where a trusted, unnamed friend placed her in bed next to a 'very famous' naked man.
Besides Heroes and Nashville, Panettiere's acting portfolio includes films such as I Love You, Beth Cooper, Scream 4 and Scream VI, as well as the TV film Amanda Knox.
