Popular Hollywood actress, Hayden Panettiere dies days before 37th birthday

American actress, Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles in the television series Heroes and Nashville, has died at the age of 36, less than a week before her 37th birthday.

Panettiere died on Sunday, August 16, 2026, in Greenville, South Carolina. Her death was confirmed by her father, Skip Panettiere, in a statement issued by the family.

“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 on-screen,” her father said.

Police said officers and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an unresponsive woman at about 1:50pm. on Sunday. Panettiere was later identified and pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the death remains under investigation, adding that the preliminary findings had not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.

Panettiere rose to fame playing Claire Bennet in Heroes before starring as Juliette Barnes in Nashville, a role that earned her two Golden Globe nominations. 

She also appeared in films including Remember the Titans and the Scream franchise.

Her death came less than a week before her 37th birthday, which would have been on August 21.