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Actress Hayden Panettiere dies aged 36, US media report

A representative for the actress confirmed the news to US outlet ABC News, but did not provide further details of her death.

Published August 17, 2026, 4:03 AM
Updated August 17, 2026, 4:33 AM216
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Actress Hayden Panettiere dies aged 36, US media report

Actress Hayden Panettiere has died at the age of 36, her representative told several US news outlets.

"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," her father, Skip Panettiere, said in a statement.

The details surrounding her death were not immediately available.

Panettiere was known for her breakout role in the hit TV series Heroes, and later went on to star in Nashville, along with films including Remember the Titans and Raising Helen.

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