An investigation is underway in the U.S. into the circumstances surrounding the death of actress Hayden Panettiere
American actress and activist Hayden Panettiere has died in Greenville, South Carolina. She was 36 years old. An investigation into the circumstances of her death is ongoing, according to Euronews.
Greenville police stated that on Sunday, shortly before 2:00 p.m. local time, they responded to a call regarding a woman who was unresponsive. Life-saving measures were performed at the scene, but Panettiere was pronounced dead. Law enforcement officials reported that they found no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.
The official cause of death has not yet been announced. People magazine, citing a recording of emergency dispatch conversations it obtained, reported that law enforcement officers at the scene discussed “overdose” and “cardiac arrest.” This information is not the officially determined cause of death.
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The actress’s family confirmed her death through a spokesperson. In a statement to ABC News, Panettiere’s father described her as “an incredible light and force of nature” who brought love and joy to her loved ones and millions of viewers. The family has asked that their privacy be respected at this time.
Hayden Panettiere was born in 1989 in Palisades, New York. She appeared in commercials even before her first birthday and later landed roles in the soap operas *One Life to Live* and *Guiding Light*. She gained international fame for her role as Claire Bennet in the series *Heroes*. She also played Juliette Barnes in the series *Nashville*, for which she received two Golden Globe nominations.
The actress has also appeared in the films *Remember the Titans*, *The Ice Princess*, *I Love You, Beth Cooper*, *Scream 4*, and *Scream VI*. Panettiere had previously spoken publicly about her struggles with addiction and postpartum depression. Her memoir, *This Is Me: A Reckoning*, was published in May 2026. She is survived by her daughter, Kaya, and her parents.
