Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in "Heroes" and "Nashville," died on Sunday night at the age of 36. Police have stated there were "no signs of foul play" in her death. Detectives confirmed they responded to a 911 call from an acquaintance at an apartment building in Greenville, South Carolina, where Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene.
In interviews conducted months before her death, Panettiere discussed the "difficult decision" in 2018 to grant ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko full custody of their daughter, Kaya, who was then three years old. Panettiere explained that this decision came during a period of deep depression, which she described as making her "feel nothing," and led to struggles with alcohol and substance abuse, ultimately resulting in her seeking treatment.
"The idea that anybody would think that I would just give away my child and be OK with it is heartbreaking. It couldn’t be further from the truth," Panettiere said in a May interview with Dear Momé, referring to her daughter. She also spoke on Jay Shetty's "On Purpose" podcast in May about her decision, stating, "I have been the one who sought it out, who was saying, ‘I desperately need help. I know this is going to look terrible, but I am. I cannot live like this anymore..."
Panettiere described a "horrible cycle for years of battling depression and anxiety and alcoholism and substance abuse, and just me trying to find my way back." She maintained that she remained connected to her daughter and spoke to her regularly, expressing pride in the young woman Kaya was becoming. Discussing the possibility of having Kaya return to her, Panettiere felt it would have been "unfair" and "selfish" to disrupt the life Kaya had built in Ukraine once she had become healthier.
Panettiere began her acting career as a child and gained wider recognition for her role in the 2000 film "Remember the Titans." She later starred as cheerleader Claire Bennet in the NBC superhero drama "Heroes" and as country singer Juliette Barnes in "Nashville" for six seasons, earning two Golden Globe nominations for the latter role. Her film credits also include "Bring It On: All or Nothing," "Raising Helen," and appearances in the "Scream" franchise.
Police and the Greenville County Coroner's office are investigating her death. A representative for Panettiere confirmed her passing, stating that her family would remember her as "an incredible light" who brought "immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her."