Hayden Panettiere, who became a household name as a teenager for her role in Heroes and later starred in Nashville and multiple Scream films, has died at age 36.
Police in Greenville, South Carolina, said officers “responded to a report of an unresponsive female” at around 1:50 pm ET on Sunday (August 16). She was pronounced dead at the scene. A cause of death has not been revealed.
“An autopsy was completed today. At autopsy no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death,” a Monday report from the Greenville County Coroner’s Office’s stated.
Her father, Skip, confirmed Panettiere’s death in a heartbreaking statement to ABC News. Panettiere’s co-stars including Connie Britton, Tim Allen, Viola Davis and Melissa Barrera have offered heartfelt tributes to the two-time Golden Globe nominee on social media.
Among her most memorable roles were Sheryl Yoast in the 2000 Denzel Washington-led film Remember the Titans, high school cheerleader Claire Bennet on NBC’s sci-fi drama Heroes (2006-2010), and aspiring country singer Juliette Barnes on the hit TV series Nashville (2012-2018).
Her New York Times bestselling memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, was published in May this year, in which she looked back at her childhood in Hollywood and her experiences with addiction, postpartum depression, abusive relationships, and the loss of custody of her daughter, Kaya, whom she shares with former heavyweight boxer Wladimir Klitschko.
Hayden Panettiere dead: Heroes and Nashville star dies aged 36
Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles in Heroes, Nashville, and the Scream franchise, has died aged 36.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” Panettiere’s father, Skip said in a statement to ABC News. “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.”
No cause of death was announced.
Shahana Yasmin17 August 2026 05:06
‘Heroes’ co-star pays tribute
Dania Ramirez, who played Maya Herrera on Heroes, shared a tribute to her former co-star on Instagram.
“My heart aches so much right now,” she wrote. “I love you and will always miss you. I take comfort in knowing that I am with you in life and in death because your love and energy has always transcended this dimension.”
Ramirez added: “My thoughts are with your daughter and those who truly love you. I know that the ones that got to feel your gifts will forever feel blessed and grateful for you.”
Carsen Holaday18 August 2026 02:01
‘Scream’ co-star is without words
Nico Tortorella, who played Trevor Sheldon in Scream 4, shared an Instagram post dedicated to his former co-star.
“I keep trying to write something, but there are too few words for you,” the actor said.
“I love you. I miss you. And I’m sorry. I hope you and Jan are somewhere bigger than all of this.”
Carsen Holaday18 August 2026 01:33
Jansen Panettiere died in 2023
Jansen had an undiagnosed enlarged heart, as well as aortic valve complications.
His sudden death was extremely painful for Hayden, who told People in 2024: He was my only sibling, and it was my job to protect him.”
“When I lost him, I felt like I lost half of my soul,” she said.
Carsen Holaday18 August 2026 01:00
‘Orange is the New Black’ star remembers friend
Orange is the New Black actor Taryn Manning shared a heartfelt post remembering Hayden Panettiere on Instagram.
“This one hurts,” Manning captioned a picture of herself and Panettiere behind a DJ booth.
“Hayden was always such a sweetheart- so rad – down to earth, kind, and consistently the same every time I saw her,” she wrote. “We shared so many funny little moments over the years, and this photo brings it all back. We were in Washington, D.C., surrounded by very suited- slightly strange men, and somehow we just kept catching each other’s eyes and laughing uncontrollably at the weirdness. And then we dipped out and ate a diner.”
She continued: “That was Hayden – down to clown – easy, funny, real. Just such a dear, a rad rad human.I don’t really have words for what has happened and she is suddenly gone. I’m just grateful I got to know her and have memories like this. Tiny sweet girl.”
Carsen Holaday18 August 2026 00:31
Ashlee Simpson shares throwback
Ashlee Simpson shared a picture of her and Hayden Panettiere from the 2005 Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party on Instagram.
“I’m deeply saddened by the news of Hayden Panettiere’s passing,” the singer said. “Rest in peace, Hayden. You will be deeply missed.”
Carsen Holaday18 August 2026 00:00
Heather Matarazzo and Hayden Panettiere met as children
Princess Diaries actor Heather Matarazzo said that she is “devastated” over the loss of Hayden Panettiere as a fellow former child actor.
“We first met on the LIRR traveling to NYC for auditions when we were both kids,” she wrote on Instagram. “Every time our paths crossed, my heart always filled up. She was special. She was a Sprite of a being and such a talent. Truly a light….. Love you, Hayden.”
Carsen Holaday17 August 2026 23:32
Alyssa Milano: ‘She used her voice’
Alyssa Milano is praising Hayden Panettiere’s activism after her death.
“I keep coming back to this photograph and thinking about Hayden’s courage,” Milano wrote in an Instagram post Monday. “I hope people remember this part of her and that it doesn’t get lost in the noise, the headlines, or the flattening of public figures into story and spectacle.”
She wrote: “Long before it was common for public figures to speak out, Hayden understood something simple and difficult: visibility is not just something you are given, but something you can give away. And she gave hers, again and again, in service of things larger than herself.”
Milano mentioned Panettiere’s animal rights activism, as well as her conservation efforts.
“And perhaps most quietly powerful, she spoke openly about what so many are taught to hide: domestic violence, postpartum depression, addiction, recovery, and abuse,” Milano said. “She did not share these things for ease or attention, but because she understood what her silence could cost others.”
The actor praised Panettiere’s activism as “instinctive” and “sincere.”
“She used her voice. She showed up,” Milano said. “She cared fiercely.I hope that is remembered too, the way she chose to stand in the world when it mattered.Rest in peace, Hayden. You deserved so much more time and your courage deserves to be remembered.”
Carsen Holaday17 August 2026 23:00
On-screen sister pays tribute
Brittany Snow, who played Hayden Panettiere’s on-screen sister in Guiding Light, remembered the late actor as a “bright shining light” on social media.
“I was lucky enough to play your sister for 3 years,” she wrote on her Instagram story.
“I related to you so much in so many ways. Ways that I never even told you. Your talent was remarkable & so was your determination to be a bold, bright shining light. And you were.”
She continued: “Always supportive, curious, funny and brave. You will always be rememebred undoubtedly for your undeniable strength and spirit.”
Carsen Holaday17 August 2026 22:45
Luxury apartment complex issues statement to residents
Hayden Panettiere was found dead Sunday at Judson Mill Lofts, a luxury apartment complex in Greenville, South Carolina.
After news of her death was released, the apartment released the following statement to residents, according to the Greenville News.
“We understand that a visible emergency and law enforcement response can be unsettling, and we appreciate your patience, discretion and understanding,” the statement said.
Residents were assured that there was “no threat” to their community.
Carsen Holaday17 August 2026 22:28