Actor Hayden Panettiere, Star Of 'Heroes' And 'Nashville,' Dies At...

Hayden Panettiere, an actor known for her breakout roles on shows like “Heroes” and “Nashville,” has died, her representative confirmed to ABC News. She was 36. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” Panettiere’s father, Skip Panettiere, said in a statement. “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.” Few details were immediately known regarding Panettiere’s death, which was also confirmed by TMZ. Panettiere worked for years as a child star before becoming famous for portraying cheerleader Claire Bennet on the superhero show “Heroes.” She went on to play spunky songstress Juliette Barnes in the music drama “Nashville,” and also landed notable roles in the “Scream” and “Bring It On” franchises. In recent years, Panettiere has shared her struggles with postpartum depression and substance abuse, and championed the importance of speaking openly about mental health. Her candid memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” was released in May.