Months before her death at age 36, actress Hayden Panettiere was seen relying on crutches and assistance from others due to a mysterious back injury. The cause of Panettiere's death, which occurred on Sunday, remains undisclosed.
For approximately a year leading up to her passing, Panettiere experienced a back injury that affected her ability to walk independently. Visual evidence from May showed her struggling with her right leg while out in New York. Despite these physical challenges, Panettiere often maintained a positive demeanor in public appearances. On the same day she was seen struggling, she also utilized an assistant's support when exiting a car to arrive at CBS Studios for a promotional event for her memoir. She was also observed using crutches at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in March with her on-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson.
When questioned about the crutches, Panettiere stated she was dealing with "some pinched nerves in my lower back," adding that she was "on the mend." She had previously opened up about the injury in a May interview with Women's Health, describing how it began with waking up and feeling "nothing but pins and needles" from the waist down. She reported being unable to bend her toes or lift her foot, and the lack of a clear diagnosis led to fears of permanent paralysis. Panettiere described this period as "the scariest thing that's ever happened to me physically."
The former child star, known for her roles in "Heroes" and "Nashville," was found dead in Greenville, South Carolina. Representatives confirmed her passing on Sunday, stating, "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."
Authorities responded to her apartment on August 16, 2026, following a 911 call from an acquaintance reporting her as unresponsive. Dispatch audio indicated a report of cardiac arrest, with a subsequent mention of a suspected overdose. Paramedics administered aid, but Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene. The Greenville Police Department and the Greenville County Coroner's Office are investigating the death, with a preliminary assessment indicating no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.
Panettiere is survived by her 11-year-old daughter. Her career began in soap operas, followed by roles in "Remember the Titans," "A Bug's Life" (voice), "Heroes," and "Nashville," for which she received two Golden Globe nominations. Her filmography also includes "Bring It On: All or Nothing," "Raising Helen," and the "Scream" franchise.