Actress Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in the television series "Heroes" and "Nashville," has died at the age of 36. Police reported she was found unresponsive in an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday afternoon. Panettiere had publicly navigated struggles with alcohol addiction and depression throughout her career.
A Unique Connection
In the wake of her passing, an unusual link between Panettiere and Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has drawn renewed attention. Crow-Armstrong, whose mother Ashley Crow starred alongside Panettiere in "Heroes," revealed in a 2022 interview that Panettiere used to babysit him. Ashley Crow played Sandra Bennet, the adoptive mother of Panettiere's character, Claire Bennet, on the science fiction drama.
"Hayden Panettiere babysat me. I had the biggest crush on her," Crow-Armstrong told NBC Chicago. "I liked being around the older actors, and I liked being babysat by my mom's co-stars and whatnot... I'd say she was probably the coolest one for me."
Crow-Armstrong's father, Matthew John Armstrong, also had a connection to the entertainment industry, appearing in shows like "Turks" and "Heroes."
Personal Life and Legacy
Panettiere was previously engaged to Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko, with whom she shares a daughter, Kaya. In 2018, Panettiere relinquished full custody of their daughter to Klitschko amid her struggles with postpartum depression and addiction. Klitschko later moved their daughter to Ukraine.
Klitschko released a statement expressing his grief: "Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief. The announcement of Hayden's tragic death saddens me deeply. She left this world far too soon. Hayden was, although no longer my partner, an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya.
He added, "She built an incredible career through immense talent, while also facing the darker sides of a very demanding industry. Nothing will erase the times we shared or the place she had in our lives. To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was. I extend my deepest condolences to Hayden's parents, her friends, and her fans, who are also grieving today. Young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon... Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace."
Panettiere gained widespread recognition for her role as cheerleader Claire Bennet in "Heroes," which aired from 2006 to 2010, and later for her portrayal of Juliette Barnes in the musical drama "Nashville" from 2012 to 2018. Her career also included roles in films such as "Bring It On: All or Nothing" and "I Love You, Beth Cooper."