Heroes' and 'Nashville' star Hayden Panettiere dies at 36, ABC News reports

American actress Hayden Panettiere, widely recognized for her starring roles in hit television series "Heroes" and "Nashville," has died at the age of 36, her father Skip Panettiere confirmed in a statement to ABC News. The report was subsequently confirmed by the Associated Press and Reuters.

The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. The Panettiere family requested privacy as they navigate the tragic loss.

Panettiere began working in the entertainment industry as a child actor in commercials and soap operas before achieving global prominence for her portrayal of superpower-endowed cheerleader Claire Bennet on NBC’s "Heroes." She later earned two Golden Globe nominations for her performance as Juliette Barnes in the musical drama series "Nashville" and featured prominently in the "Scream" horror franchise.

Panettiere shares an 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, with former heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko, with whom she ended an engagement in 2018. In recent years, the actress spoke openly about navigating postpartum depression and substance abuse challenges, documenting her personal journey in her memoir released in May 2026.

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