Tributes to Actress Hayden Panettiere Following Her Death at 36
Actress Hayden Panettiere has died at the age of 36, with tributes pouring in from her colleagues and friends.
Panettiere, known for her roles in US TV shows Heroes and Nashville, has passed away at the age of 36.
Tributes have been paid to the actress by her colleagues and friends, with many expressing their shock and sadness at her death.
Oscar winner Viola Davis described Panettiere as an "amazing talent", while One Tree Hill star Bethany Joy-Lenz noted how as a young star she had acted "like no child I'd ever seen on camera".
Panettiere died on Sunday in Greenville, South Carolina, and police said there were not "any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances".
The coroner's office has confirmed that there were "no signs of trauma" in the autopsy, but the cause of death has not been confirmed.
Panettiere's death was announced by her father Skip, who said: "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."
Panettiere's father asked for privacy "as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss".
The actress played a cheerleader with superpowers in Heroes and an up-and-coming country singer in Nashville. Earlier as a child star, she had other memorable roles including in the films Remember the Titans and Raising Helen.
Panettiere's career spanned three decades, with roles in other hit shows and films including the Scream horror franchise and romantic comedy I Love You, Beth Cooper.
Her Scream co-star Melissa Barrera paid tribute to the actress in an Instagram story, writing "rest in peace sweet Hayden", alongside a broken heart emoji.
Fellow Scream films co-star David Arquette wrote: "I love you Hayden."
Panettiere is survived by her daughter Kaya with her ex-partner, Ukrainian former world heavyweight champion boxer, Wladimir Klitschko.
Panettiere's long-time friend and One Tree Hill star Bethany Joy-Lenz, who had known her since she was a child actress, said she was "crushed" by her death.
Sharing photos of them together online, she wrote: "I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen. She ran through the Screen Gem studio hallways at 222 E44th St. laughing and playing games in between blocking and camera rehearsals.
"Long, unruly curls trailing behind her. She knew her lines and everyone else's. Her intelligence was astonishing. She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I'd ever seen on camera. And she'd sit with you for a great conversation, then giggle and go play."
She added: "It's too young and there's still so much more life. And her daughter…. Hayden, you are surround by love. I'm sorry for every moment I didn't reach out or check in. This can't be real."
Cruel Intentions actress Selma Blair paid tribute on social media, saying: "I love you. Don't be gone. Please."
Singer Jojo described it as "devastating news". On her Instagram story she wrote: "I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Oh My God."
Actors' union Sag-Aftra, of which Panettiere was a longstanding member, said "our hearts are with her daughter, family, friends & fans".
Panettiere's memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, was released earlier this year, recounting the struggles of growing up as a child actor and her experiences with addiction, abuse and later recovery.
The investigation into Panettiere's death is ongoing, with police saying that there were no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.
The coroner's office has confirmed that an autopsy was performed, but the cause of death has not been confirmed.
Panettiere's death has left her fans and colleagues in shock, with many taking to social media to pay tribute to the actress.
Her legacy as a talented actress and a devoted mother will live on, and her fans will continue to remember her for her incredible talent and her impact on the entertainment industry.
The investigation into Panettiere's death is ongoing, and the coroner's office has confirmed that an autopsy was performed.
Panettiere's death has left her fans and colleagues in shock, with many taking to social media to pay tribute to the actress.
Her legacy as a talented actress and a devoted mother will live on, and her fans will continue to remember her for her incredible talent and her impact on the entertainment industry.
