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The actor was found unresponsive Sunday in South Carolina, where police and the county coroner are investigating her death.

By Milosh Potikj | USA Herald

Inside This Report

• Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive at a Greenville apartment complex Sunday and died after medics tried to save her.
• Police found no signs of foul play or suspicious activity, while an autopsy will help determine her cause of death.
• Her family and fellow actors remembered the 36-year-old as a gifted star who brought joy to millions of viewers.

Hayden Panettiere, the actor who became a television star through “Heroes” and “Nashville,” died Sunday in Greenville, South Carolina. She was 36. Panettiere would have turned 37 on Friday.

Greenville police and emergency workers responded to the Judson Mill Lofts shortly before 2 p.m. A caller had reported an unresponsive woman. Medics tried to save Panettiere, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said an early review found no signs of foul play or suspicious activity. Her cause of death has not been announced. Police and the Greenville County Coroner’s Office are still investigating.

Family Remembers an “Incredible Light”

Panettiere’s father, Skip Panettiere, announced her death in a statement shared through her representative. He asked the public to give the family privacy as it faces the loss.

“She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy,” said Skip Panettiere.

Actors and friends shared tributes Monday as news of her death spread. “What an amazing talent you were ... so gifted,” actor Viola Davis wrote on Instagram.

Melissa Barrera appeared with Panettiere in “Scream VI.” She posted a photo of the two actors with a broken-heart emoji. David Arquette, Selma Blair, Bethany Joy Lenz and Rosie O’Donnell also shared public messages.

From Child Actor to Television Star

Panettiere appeared in ads before her first birthday and moved into soap operas as a child. Her early credits included “One Life to Live” and “Guiding Light.” She later appeared in the 2000 football film “Remember the Titans.”

Her big break came in 2006 with the NBC series “Heroes.” She played Claire Bennet, a cheerleader with healing powers. The role made her one of the show’s best-known faces during its four-season run.

Panettiere later played country singer Juliette Barnes in “Nashville” from 2012 to 2018. The role earned her two Golden Globe nominations. Songs from the series also reached Billboard’s country charts.

Her films included “Scream 4,” “Scream VI,” “Ice Princess” and “I Love You, Beth Cooper.” She returned to the “Scream” series in 2023 after several years away from acting.

In May, Panettiere released “This Is Me: A Reckoning.” The memoir covered child fame, postpartum depression, addiction and recovery. USA Herald previously reported on the pressure she faced while growing up on film and television sets.

Panettiere is survived by her daughter, Kaya, and her parents. Her younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, died from a heart condition in 2023. He was 28.

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