The death of actress Hayden Panettiere at the age of 36

Hayden Panettiere's father announced the death of the actress in a press release relayed by several media, this Sunday, August 16, 2026. The American actress, revealed in the series Heroes, Nashville and the Scream saga, was only 36 years old.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the tragic death of our dear Hayden. She was an incredible source of light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her – as well as to the millions who watched her on screen,” ABC News quoted ABC News as saying. The causes of the young mother's death have not yet been revealed.

The sad news shocked and moved his friends and former partners in the series that made him known. Several of them therefore wanted to pay tribute to him. Starting with Beverley Mitchell (7 at home). “I pray this news is fake! You are such a light and so loved!”, she wrote on her social networks. Bethany Joy Lenz said in a long message posted on Instagram: “Publishing photos on the Internet doesn't do much good. Usually, I avoid doing it at times like this. But here I am, my head in my hands, and I don't know what else to do except pray for his soul - which I have done and will continue to do. (...) I am devastated.”

The actors' union SAG-AFTRA also published a message in tribute to the deceased young woman. The opportunity to recall his two greatest roles: “We mourn the sudden disappearance of Hayden Panettiere. As a child actress, Hayden has enjoyed a long career in television and film, including memorable roles in Heroes, Nashville and many other series. All our thoughts are with his daughter, his family, his friends and his fans.

Selma Blair (Sex Intentions, Legally Blonde) never shared the screen with Hayden Panettiere. And yet, the actress posted a heartbreaking message in the comments of her deceased friend's final Instagram post. “I am dying. Please stay with us,” she wrote. David Arquette, Sheriff Dwight Riley in the Scream saga, also had a word for his former colleague. “I love you Hayden,” he expressed on social media.