Actress Hayden Panettiere has died at the age of 36, according to a statement from her representative shared with several American media outlets. Her death was confirmed to ABC News by her representative on 16 August 2026, a report corroborated by , CNN and UPI. The circumstances surrounding her death have not yet been made public.
reported that ABC News was the outlet that first broke the story, and subsequent coverage noted that Panettiere died just five days before what would have been her 37th birthday, according to the report.
How has her family responded?
Her father, Skip Panettiere, issued a statement through her representative describing the loss as devastating for those closest to her.
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.
He also asked that the family's privacy be respected while they come to terms with what he called an unimaginable loss, a request made through the same representative statement.
What was Panettiere known for?
Panettiere first appeared on screen as a young child, landing a role on the long-running American soap opera One Life to Live at just four years old. She later rose to wider prominence playing a cheerleader with regenerative powers in the science-fiction series Heroes, and went on to headline the country-music drama Nashville. Her film credits included the football drama Remember the Titans and the comedy Raising Helen.
What new details have surfaced about her death?
According to UPI, Panettiere is survived by her daughter, Kaya, as reported in UPI's coverage of her death. Separately, entertainment outlet TMZ reported that police had opened an investigation into her death and noted that Panettiere had recently complained of back pain, though the outlet did not draw a direct link between that complaint and the cause of death, according to a report cited by Men's Journal.
Had she spoken publicly about her health before?
In 2024, Panettiere addressed public speculation about her wellbeing after comments she made in a People magazine interview drew concern, telling ABC News that observers online had misread signs of ongoing grief rather than any other issue, as detailed in an ABC News interview. That grief stemmed from the death of her brother, Jansen, in February 2023; People reported that Panettiere said she would always be heartbroken over his loss, according to People's 2024 report.
What happens next?
TMZ indicated that the police inquiry into her death remains open, though no hearing date, official ruling, or further scheduled update has been identified in reporting so far, based on the same Men's Journal summary. Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation continues.
Key Facts
- Hayden Panettiere died on 16 August 2026 at age 36, five days before her 37th birthday.
- Her breakout roles included Heroes, Nashville, Remember the Titans and Raising Helen.
- She began acting at age four on the soap opera One Life to Live.
- She is survived by her daughter, Kaya, according to UPI.
- Police have an open investigation into her death, according to TMZ, with no scheduled update yet reported.
