American actress Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles in the hit TV series “Heroes” and “Nashville,” has died at the age of 36.
Panettiere’s death was confirmed by her representative through a statement from her father, Skip Panettiere, sent to ABC News on Monday, Aug. 17 (PH time).
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” the statement read, as quoted by ABC News.
“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.”
Her father also asked for privacy as their family mourns the loss.
Further details surrounding Panettiere’s death were not immediately available as of writing.
Panettiere began her career as a child actress and went on to establish herself in both television and film.
She gained widespread recognition for playing cheerleader Claire Bennet in the science-fiction drama series “Heroes,” before starring as country music singer Juliette Barnes in the musical drama “Nashville.”
She also starred in “Remember the Titans,” “Raising Helen,” “Ice Princess,” “Bring It On: All or Nothing,” and “Scream 4.”
Just last May, Hayden released her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” in which she opened up about her experiences with postpartum depression, addiction and recovery, trauma, domestic abuse, and loss.
The memoir also marked the actress’ public coming out as bisexual.
“I’ve chosen to be completely brutally honest about this, and that’s something about me that I was never able to share with the world, because it was just never the right time,” she said.
Panettiere’s death comes less than a week before her 37th birthday on Aug. 21.
She is survived by her daughter, Kaya Klitschko, whom she welcomed in 2014 with her former fiancé, heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko.
