Hayden Panettiere honored by Ruby Rose and other stars at Malibu memorial one month after death

MALIBU, CALIFORNIA: Hayden Panettiere’s death has been nothing but a shock to Hollywood. Her sudden death at the age of 36 left many heartbroken. 

After weeks of speculation and investigations, an emotional memorial was held in Malibu on Saturday, September 20, one month after her death. The gathering was attended by stars including her good friend Ruby Rose, her 'Nashville' co-stars, and other guests. 

The actress passed away on August 16, 2026, and is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya Evdokia Klitschko. Panettiere’s death has also been surrounded by reports concerning substance use.

Ruby Rose and ‘Nashville’ co-stars attend Hayden Panettiere’s Malibu memorial

The 36-year-old 'Heroes' actress left behind a long legacy and career. Her death has been one of the most shocking celebrity deaths of 2026. Now, at her memorial service, many celebrities were seen attending the Malibu gathering.

Ruby Rose, Paris Hilton, and “Nashville” co-stars Connie Britton and Charles Esten attended the celebration of life at a local church, according to TMZ. 

Evan Ross, Jonathan Jackson, and Lennon Stella were also seen attending the memorial, according to the publication.

Around 150 guests attended the late actress’s celebration of life. According to the Daily Mail, Esten also performed a song from their show “Nashville.” Citing a source, the publication reported that the gathering was “emotional and beautiful.”

Reports also circulated that Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, and her on-and-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, along with his brother Zach, were not included on the guest list for her celebration of life service in Malibu.

Amid all this, her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, was also remembered. In Panettiere’s book, the actress wrote about her relationship with her daughter.

Despite living apart for years, Panettiere said in her memoir that her bond with Kaya remained “incredibly strong.”

“Not being under the same roof with her every day has been the most gut-wrenching experience of my life, and it’s hard to describe the layers of emotion—including sadness, resentment, and anger- I’ve felt because of it,” she wrote.

“I grieve that I’m not the mother I thought I’d be and definitely not the mother I want to be (trust me, no one should ever have to raise a child on FaceTime), and although I miss Kaya so much my heart aches, I know how blessed I am to be her mom,” she continued.

“She is the greatest gift of my life, with all the best parts of her father and me.”

Police report sheds light on Hayden Panettiere’s final hours

According to TMZ, multiple law enforcement sources said she died after consuming a fatal pill. Reports also stated that medics were called to her residence in Greenville, where they reported “cardiac arrest” at around 1:51 pm, according to the county coroner’s office.

A Greenville police officer arrived at the scene and interviewed brothers Brian and Zach Hickerson, who said they had called 911, according to a police report. “I spoke with Zach Hickerson first, he advised this was his brother’s girlfriend,” the officer wrote in the report.

Police also confirmed that there were no signs of foul play. Authorities said they would not provide further comment out of respect for Panettiere’s loved ones and because of the ongoing investigation.