United Kingdom, Aug. 17 -- Hayden Panettiere spoke optimistically about having "a lot more life to live" and finally escaping years of "darkness" in an emotional interview recorded just three months before her sudden death at 36.

The Heroes and Nashville star was found unresponsive at Judson Mill Lofts in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday, 16 August, after an acquaintance called 911 at 1.51pm.

Emergency crews attempted to resuscitate Hayden before she was pronounced dead at 2.32pm.

An autopsy has since found no trauma that contributed to her death, while authorities say further testing is required to determine the cause and manner of death.

Hayden had discussed her hopes for the future during a May appearance on Jay Shetty's On Pu...