Actress Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles in popular television series such as “Heroes” and “Nashville,” has died at age 36.
Her father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed her death in a statement to ABC News on Aug. 16.
“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,” his statement said.
Details surrounding the cause of her death have not been disclosed. Panettiere left behind an 11-year-old daughter, whom she shared with former partner Wladimir Klitschko, a sports scientist and former professional boxer.
Panettiere started her career as a child star and was best known for her roles as cheerleader Claire Bennet in the TV series “Heroes” and as country singer Juliette Barnes in the drama “Nashville.” Her other credits included the voice of Dot in “A Bug’s Life,” “Remember the Titans,” and “Scream VI.”
The actress had been open about her struggles with alcohol addiction and depression, including after the birth of her daughter in 2014.
In a memoir published this year, titled “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” she wrote about postpartum depression and her decision to give full custody of her daughter to Klitschko.
According to the memoir’s synopsis, the book offers “a rare and intimate glimpse” into the actress’s life behind closed doors as Panettiere shared her experiences with addiction and recovery, trauma, domestic abuse, and loss.
Panettiere discussed the memoir during her interview with CBS Mornings in May, where she also spoke about her experience giving birth and postpartum depression.
“I had a wonderful pregnancy; I worked throughout my whole pregnancy. And I had a really rough birth to the point where I almost didn’t make it through,” Panettiere said.
“And then the postpartum depression started. There I am with this beautiful, healthy, beautiful baby girl and this very fortunate life, and I could not for the life of me be happy. I was so depressed, and I just couldn’t find my way out of the dark.”
Her daughter, Kaya, has been living with ex-fiancé Klitschko after she gave him full custody in 2018. Panettiere said she has a great relationship with her daughter and FaceTimes with her regularly.
Klitschko has yet to make a public statement on Panettiere’s passing.
The Epoch Times reached out to Panettiere’s representative for further comment but did not receive a response by publication time.
