India, Aug. 17 -- Hayden Panettiere, the actress known for her work in Heroes and Nashville, has died at the age of 36. Her father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed the news on August 16, 2026, in a statement shared with ABC News.

"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," Skip told ABC News. He also requested privacy as the family takes time to process the loss. The circumstances surrounding Panettiere's death have not been disclosed.

Panettiere was best known for playing Claire Bennet in the hit sci-fi series Heroes, which made her a major telev...