Hayden Panettiere passed away on 16/8, just days before her 37th birthday, ABC News reported. The cause and further details surrounding her death have not yet been released.

"We are deeply saddened by Hayden's passing," her representative stated in a press release. "She was a strong individual who brought love and joy to many people and millions of viewers who followed her on screen."

Born in 1989, Panettiere began her career early, appearing in television commercials before her first birthday. In 1994, she made her acting debut, playing Sarah Roberts in One Life to Live. She later took on the role of Lizzie Spaulding in Guiding Light and featured in films such as Remember the Titans, Raising Helen, Ice Princess, and Bring It On: All or Nothing.

Panettiere rose to fame in 2006 for her portrayal of Claire Bennet in the series Heroes. Her character, a high school student, possessed the ability to heal herself from injuries through cellular regeneration. Claire became one of the show's pivotal roles, with her storyline centered on discovering and learning to control her powers.

The series' success led Panettiere to numerous science fiction fan events globally. However, she once mentioned facing limitations in role selection, often being typecast as a "cheerleader" or "blonde girl".

After Heroes, Panettiere gained attention in Nashville, a series centered on the country music industry. From 2012 to 2018, she played Juliette Barnes, a talented and ambitious young singer who frequently encountered trouble due to her impulsive nature. Juliette competed with veteran star Rayna Jaymes (Connie Britton) while navigating challenges in her romantic life, family, and career. The role allowed Panettiere to showcase both her acting and singing talents, earning her two Golden Globe nominations for outstanding supporting actress in a television series.

The actress was also acclaimed for her role as Kirby Reed in Scream 4 (2011). The character was strong-willed and knowledgeable about horror films. Panettiere's performance was considered a highlight of the movie. After more than a decade, Panettiere reprised her role in Scream 6 (2023). By then, Kirby had matured into an FBI agent, assisting the main characters in investigating new cases related to Ghostface. This marked Panettiere's first film role after a hiatus of several years.

Hayden Panettiere in "Scream 4" (2011, left) and "Scream 6" (2023). *Dimension Films*

Beyond acting, Panettiere lent her voice to several video games. She also performed many songs for films she appeared in. In 2008, she released the single Wake Up Call.

In her personal life, Panettiere dated co-star Milo Ventimiglia during her time on Heroes. After their breakup in 2009, she began a relationship with former boxer Wladimir Klitschko. The two became engaged and welcomed a daughter in 2014. They separated in 2018 but continued to co-parent their child.

Subsequently, she dated Brian Hickerson. In 2020, Hickerson was arrested on charges of assault and domestic violence against Panettiere. The actress later publicly advocated for victims of domestic violence.

Hayden Panettiere in 2025. *Storm Santos*

In 2015, Panettiere revealed she had experienced postpartum depression and struggled with substance abuse. In May, Panettiere publicly came out as bisexual. She told Us Weekly that she had kept this private for years due to concerns about media and public attention. During the same period, Panettiere released her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, reflecting on her childhood in entertainment, her journey as an actress, and her personal struggles and triumphs.

Cat Tien (according to ABC News, People, Us Weekly)