Hayden Panettiere, who starred in ‘Nashville’ and ‘Heroes,’ dies at 36

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Hayden Panettiere, ‘Heroes’ actress dies at 36

We are learning more this Sunday after reports that "Nashville" and "Heroes" star Hayden Panettiere has died. This news comes from multiple reports this weekend. She was 36 years old. Panettiere is said to have died on Sunday, a day after departing from Los Angeles. The cause of her death has not been released at this time. LiveNOW will continue covering this breaking news as more information is released. 

"Nashville" and "Heroes" star Hayden Panettiere has died, according to a statement issued by her publicist. She was 36 years old. 

What we know:

Panettiere died on Sunday, a day after departing from Los Angeles on a plane with Brian Hickerson, TMZ reported. The cause of her death has not been released at this time.

RELATED: Hayden Panettiere's friends and former co-stars share tributes

"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," Panetierre’s representative told ABC News.

Hayden Panettiere is seen on May 19, 2026, in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images)

Police say no signs of foul play in Hayden Panettiere’s death

A preliminary investigation into the death of Hayden Panettiere has found no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances, according to police.

Officers and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an unresponsive woman at the Judson Mill Lofts in Greenville, South Carolina, shortly before 2 p.m. Sunday, the Greenville Police Department said in a statement obtained by The Associated Press.

Life-saving measures were performed, but Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the statement.

Police said an acquaintance of the 36-year-old actress called 911 from the apartment complex.

No cause of death has been provided.

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office was expected to perform an autopsy.

Greenville police and the coroner’s office are continuing to investigate the case.

The backstory:

In addition to her roles as Claire Bennet on "Heroes" and Juliette Barnes on "Nashville," Panettiere was also in "Remember the Titans" and, "I Love You, Beth Cooper" as well as Scream IV and VI, among dozens of other credits. 

The winner of three Teen Choice Awards, a Grammy Award nominee and a three-time Golden Globe nominee, Panettiere did her own singing on "Nashville" playing opposite Connie Britton for four seasons on ABC. 

What they're saying:

The screen actor's union released a statement saying, "We join in mourning the sudden passing of Hayden Panettiere," SAG-AFTRA said. "Our hearts are with her daughter, family, ‌friends ⁠and fans."

Why you should care:

She released a memoir in May, opening up about the custody arrangement involving her 11-year-old daughter, who lives in Ukraine with her father, former heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko. In the book, she also discussed her struggles with alcohol addiction and depression.

Panettiere's younger brother, Jansen, died of a heart condition in 2023. He was 28. 

The Source: Information for this article was taken from TMZ, ABC News, and The Associated Press. This story was reported from Orlando.

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