United Kingdom, Aug. 21 -- Hayden Panettiere's mom has cited a "toxic individual" for being to blame for her estrangement from her daughter before her death.

The late Heroes actress - who died on Sunday (16.08.26) at the age of 36 - had a strained relationship with Lesley Vogel for many years, but her mother has insisted that wasn't due to a "lack fo care and love".

Lesley - who managed Hayden's career in her younger years - told Entertainment Tonight in a statement: "Although my daughter and I were estranged, it was not for lack of care or love.

"It was due to the involvement of a toxic individual.

"Hayden was a beautiful and talented young woman who unfortunately became involved with the wrong person, and although her family tried t...