A Life on Screen and Sudden Death
American actress Hayden Panettiere has died at the age of 36, according to reports by US media. She was best known for her roles in the TV showsNashville andHeroes, which ran from 2006 to 2010 and 2012 to 2018 respectively. Panettiere entered show business as a baby and appeared onOne Life to Live at age 4.
Her father, Skip, provided a statement to ABC News, in which he described his daughter as "a force of nature." "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden," he said. "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."
Family, Friends, and Colleagues Speak Out
Beth Chamberlin, who starred as Panettiere's on-screen mom on the 90s soap operaGuiding Light, gave an exclusive interview to Fox News Digital. Chamberlin reflected on their "special bond" and the actress's resilience. "When I would hear about some of the troubled times that she was going through, I would think to myself, 'She's gonna get through this, and watch out world,'" Chamberlin said. "Because when she gets through this, you are going to see some work on screen. You'll see things like you've never seen." Chamberlin also quoted her fellow actor Viola Davis as saying she was waiting to see what Panettiere would fully become, adding, "I think that puts it best because I think that's what I was feeling too."
In a statement to Entertainment Tonight, Panettiere's mother, Lesley Vogel, also spoke out. While she acknowledged an estrangement, she described the involvement of a "toxic individual" whom she believed "led to her death." "Although my daughter and I were estranged, it was not for lack of care or love," Vogel said. "It was due to the involvement of a toxic individual that I believe led to her death."
The Investigation and a Representative's Response
Panettiere died on August 16 at a South Carolina apartment, according to a police report obtained by ABC News and other outlets. Brian Hickerson, who had an on-again, off-again relationship with Panettiere, was at the residence when she was found unresponsive. He and his brother Zach called 911 after finding her. The police report described that Zach was "very emotional" while paramedics worked, while Brian did not become emotional until she was declared deceased. Officers were given a bag of medication Panettiere had allegedly been taking, and Hickerson had traveled with her from Districtances the day before.
The preliminary autopsy results at the Greenville County Coroner's Office found no signs of trauma that contributed to Panettiere's death, though the death remains under investigation. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has joined the investigation. The on-and-off relationship with Brian Hickerson had previously led to domestic violence charges and a conviction.
In a statement shared with Media outlets, Panettiere's representative condemned the "gossip and speculation" that had erupted. "Many people who were not close to herself are using her death as an opportunity to fuel gossip and,” the representative said, adding that it is "deeply disrespectful to her memory." The representative urged they knowledgeable to contact law enforcement, and hinted that there is "much more to this story than what is currently being discussed," with those closest to Panettiere cooperating with the investigation.
A Tribute from a Co-Star
Chamberlin, who did not speculate on the cause of death, spoke warmly about Panettiere and discouraged children from acting, noting that Panettiere was an exception. "She clearly has the talent and the resilience," Chamberlin said, reflecting on the promise she showed despite her difficulties.
As tributes continued to flow in, the investigation into Panettiere's death remained ongoing, with her family and community calling for thoughtful and respectful attention to a life that was, as her father said, "an incredible light."