American actress Hayden Panettiere, star of the series 'Heroes' and 'Nashville', has died at the age of 36. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances of her death, while US media report a possible overdose. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Reuters.
Panettiere died on Sunday, August 16, in Greenville, South Carolina. Emergency services received a call about an unconscious woman. Paramedics arriving at the scene found the actress in cardiac arrest and began resuscitation, but could not save her.
The official cause of Panettiere's death has not yet been determined. According to People, on the recording of emergency services' communications made at the time of the incident, staff mentioned 'overdose' and 'cardiac arrest'. Narcan, a drug used for opioid overdoses, was also found at the scene. However, the overdose version has not been officially confirmed.
The Greenville County coroner's office said the autopsy revealed no injuries that could have caused death. No signs of violent death were found either. The cause and manner of death will be determined after further investigation.
Panettiere's death was confirmed by her family. The actress's father, Alan 'Skip' Panettiere, said relatives are deeply shocked by what happened.
'With deep sorrow, we announce the tragic death of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and force, giving immense love and joy to all who knew her, and to millions who saw her on screen,' the family statement said.
Hayden Panettiere began acting in early childhood. She appeared in the series 'One Life to Live' and 'Guiding Light', and in 2000 played in the sports drama 'Remember the Titans' with Denzel Washington.
World fame came to the actress with the role of Claire Bennet in the science fiction series 'Heroes', which premiered in 2006. Her character was a cheerleader with the ability to regenerate.
Later, Panettiere played one of the main roles in the series 'Nashville'. For her portrayal of country singer Juliette Barnes, the actress was nominated twice for a Golden Globe.
She also starred in films such as 'Ice Princess', 'Night at the Beth Cooper', and 'Scream 4'. In 2023, Panettiere returned to the role of Kirby Reed in the horror film 'Scream 6'.
Panettiere had a relationship with former world boxing champion Vladimir Klitschko for nearly nine years. They met in 2009 at a party of mutual friends.
In 2011, the couple split, but two years later they rekindled their relationship. In the fall of 2013, Panettiere and Klitschko announced their engagement, and in December 2014, their daughter Kaya was born. The actress's daughter lives with Klitschko in Ukraine.
The actress also visited Kyiv and supported the Klitschko brothers during the Euromaidan events. The couple never made it to the wedding, and in 2018, Panettiere and Klitschko finally separated.