American actress Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles in the TV series "Heroes" and "Nashville," has died at the age of 36. Her father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed the news in a statement to ABC News.

"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," her father said.

The cause of death has not yet been announced. Her father has urged for privacy. Panettiere would have turned 37 on Friday.

Panettiere began her career as a child actor, appearing in commercials and soap operas. She gained widespread recognition as the voice of Dot, the young princess ant in Pixar's 1998 animated hit "A Bug's Life."

She catapulted to fame with her role as Claire Bennett, a high school cheerleader with superpowers, on NBC's "Heroes," which debuted in 2006 and became a hit. She also starred as aspiring country singer Juliette Barnes for six seasons on the musical drama "Nashville."

Panettiere also appeared in two films of the "Scream" franchise, "Bring It On: All Or Nothing," "I Love You Beth Cooper," and "Remember the Titans." Her last appearance was in the psychological thriller "Sleepwalker," released in the US in January this year.

Panettiere was open about her struggles with alcohol addiction and depression. Her younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, died in 2023 at 28 due to a heart condition.

Hayden's memoir was published earlier this year, where she spoke about her battle with mental health, the loss of her brother, and her decision to give full custody of her daughter to her former partner, Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko.

Source: www.dw.com