Hayden Panettiere, who starred in ‘Nashville’ and ‘Heroes,’ dies at 36

"Nashville" and "Heroes" star Hayden Panettiere has died, according to a statement issued by her publicist. She was 36 years old. 

What we know:

Panettiere died on Sunday, a day after departing from Los Angeles on a plane with Brian Hickerson, TMZ reported. The cause of her death has not been released at this time.

"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," Panetierre’s representative told ABC News.

The backstory:

In addition to her roles as Claire Bennet on "Heroes" and Juliette Barnes on "Nashville," Panettiere was also in "Remember the Titans" and, "I Love You, Beth Cooper" as well as Scream IV and VI, among dozens of other credits. 

The winner of three Teen Choice Awards, a Grammy Award nominee and a three-time Golden Globe nominee, Panettiere did her own singing on "Nashville" playing opposite Connie Britton for four seasons on ABC. 

What they're saying:

The screen actor's union released a statement saying, "We join in mourning the sudden passing of Hayden Panettiere," SAG-AFTRA said. "Our hearts are with her daughter, family, ‌friends ⁠and fans."

Why you should care:

She released a memoir in May, opening up about the custody arrangement involving her 11-year-old daughter, who lives in Ukraine with her father, former heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko. In the book, she also discussed her struggles with alcohol addiction and depression.

Panettiere's younger brother, Jansen, died of a heart condition in 2023. He was 28. 

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