Hayden Panettiere | Source: Getty Images
Hayden Panettiere's Father Breaks His Silence Following Her Sudden Passing at 36 — Details
Aug 17, 2026 - 02:24 A.M.
Hayden Panettiere has died at 36, as questions remain about what happened and new information surrounding her sudden death emerges.
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The actress's sudden death has prompted an investigation, while her father has issued his first public statement and her final social media post has resurfaced.
Panettiere attended the world premiere of “Scream VI” in New York City on March 6, 2023. The appearance came three years before her representative confirmed her death at age 36. | Source: Getty Images
Her representative confirmed her death to ABC News. The outlet said further details about the circumstances were not immediately available.
TMZ later reported that Panettiere died Sunday, August 16, 2026. Sources with direct knowledge told the outlet that she and her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, had flown from Los Angeles to the South the day before.
A source close to Panettiere also told the same outlet that she had complained of back pain during the past year. The report did not link that pain to her death.
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TMZ later cited law enforcement sources who said police responded Sunday to an incident involving Panettiere. The outlet reported that an investigation remains open, but no further details were provided.
As questions remained, Panettiere's father, Skip Panettiere, issued his first public statement following his daughter's death.
"It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden," he told ABC News. He described her as "an incredible light and a force of nature" who brought "immeasurable love and joy" to those who knew her and to the millions who watched her onscreen.
Skip also asked for privacy "as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss."
Panettiere was photographed with Brian Hickerson at a celebration of life for her younger brother, Jansen, in Palisades, New York, on March 8, 2023. TMZ later identified Hickerson as her on-again, off-again boyfriend and reported that the two traveled together the day before her death. | Source: Getty Images
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In the weeks before her death, Panettiere shared what would become her final public Instagram post. Published July 27, the black-and-white photo showed her with a friend, whom she tagged alongside a sparkle emoji.
Panettiere rose to fame as a child actress before breaking out as cheerleader Claire Bennet on NBC's "Heroes." She later starred as country singer Juliette Barnes on "Nashville" a role that earned her multiple award nominations.
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