Hayden Panettiere, known for her work in the Scream franchise, Heroes, and Nashville, passed away at the age of 36.
The heartbreaking news was announced by Hayden’s spokesperson in an official statement released on Monday, August 17, to ABC News, that the actress tragically died on Sunday.
The statement read, “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.”
The cause of Hayden’s death has not been revealed yet; a source told TMZ, “She recently had been complaining about back pain in the past year.”
The outlet also reported that she flew from Los Angeles to the south on Saturday with her on-again, off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson.
Hayden stepped into her acting career as a child star in 2000 sports drama Remember the Titans, also starring Denzel Washington.
She rose to fame with her breakout role as cheerleader Claire Bennet in Heroes.
Her performance in Nashville led her to earn multiple award nods.
Fans can also hear her voice in the video game Until Dawn.

