Hayden Panettiere death investigation continues as initial reports show no signs of 'foul play'
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA: Officials are shedding light on Hayden Panettiere’s sudden death at 36 after police and EMS responded to an “unresponsive female” report in Greenville, South Carolina, around 1.50 pm on Sunday, August 16.
Panettiere was pronounced deceased at the scene, and the preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of "foul play" or suspicious circumstances. Her longtime representative confirmed her death in a statement shared on behalf of her father, Alan "Skip" Panettiere.
Hayden Panettiere’s death remains under investigation
“The case is under investigation by the Greenville Police Department in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office,” a spokesperson for the Greenville Police Department said. The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.
An acquaintance of Panettiere placed the 911 call. Police noted that they are not releasing any further details at this time.
Her longtime representative confirmed her death on Sunday, sharing a statement on behalf of her father: “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."
He asked for privacy "as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss."
Hayden Panettiere’s career, family and personal struggles
Panettiere’s professional acting career began in 1994, when she was cast in the ABC soap opera 'One Life to Live'. She went on to star in several shows and films as a child star before landing a high-profile role on 'Heroes' as a cheerleader with self-healing powers.
From 2012 to 2018, she starred opposite Connie Britton across all six seasons of the ABC musical drama series 'Nashville'. Following the finale of 'Heroes' in 2010, she starred in 'Scream 4' in 2011 and later reprised her fan-favorite role in 2023’s 'Scream 6'.
Earlier this year, Panettiere released her tell-all memoir, 'This Is Me: A Reckoning', detailing her struggles growing up in the spotlight, private addiction battles, and more.
“You may laugh a little, cry a little, but most importantly, you’ll hopefully finish it feeling inspired. I’ve grown so much from my experiences,” she told PEOPLE ahead of the book’s release.
She further said, “I hope that this opportunity to further elaborate on that journey may provide a little comfort for those who have faced similar challenges. I’m truly grateful for every lesson, and for the woman I have become today.”
Panettiere became a mother in December 2014, when she and her former fiance Wladimir Klitschko welcomed their daughter, Kaya Evdokia Klitschko. The former couple raised Kaya together for the first four years, but in 2018, Panettiere gave full custody to Klitschko.
