Michelle Rodriguez reacts to Hayden Panettiere’s death, says loss of young stars is ‘not normal’

Michelle Rodriguez’s remarks followed the recent deaths of Daveigh Chase, Oliver Tree, Lauren Bennett, Josh Grisetti, Jake Hall and Tay Keith
Michelle Rodriguez remembered Hayden Panettiere for her 'curious spirit' and happy, joyous nature (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images, Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic)
Michelle Rodriguez remembered Hayden Panettiere for her 'curious spirit' and happy, joyous nature (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images, Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Michelle Rodriguez is not okay with the fact that young actors are dying in Hollywood following Hayden Panettiere’s sudden death at 36.

During an interview with Variety at the 25th anniversary screening of 'The Fast and the Furious' in LA, Rodriguez shared her thoughts on the recent loss.

The actress’s sudden death has left the Hollywood fraternity in shock, and everyone who worked with her has shared heartfelt tributes.

Rodriguez was found unresponsive in cardiac arrest at an apartment in Greenville.

Michelle Rodriguez attends the amfAR Cannes Gala 30th edition Presented by Chopard and Red Sea International Film Festival at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 23, 2024 in Cap d'Antibes, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Michelle Rodriguez attends the amfAR Cannes Gala 30th edition Presented by Chopard and Red Sea International Film Festival at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 23, 2024 in Cap d'Antibes, France (Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

Michelle Rodriguez mourns Hayden Panettiere after sudden death

During the interview, the actress said, “I’ve got to tell you, man, I just can’t stand how many young people are leaving us lately.”

“It’s disheartening, and it’s making me think, ‘What’s going on?’ It’s not normal. I don’t want to speculate about anything, but it’s weird,” she continued.

“Just in general, the amount and the volume of it since 2010 to now, it’s a lot,” she added.

When asked what she remembered about the late actress, Rodriguez said, “Her curious spirit and how happy and joyous she is, because that’s her memory, right?” 

Even though they did not share the screen in any movie, they both hosted the World Music Awards in 2010.

Rodriguez’s statement came as several other stars, including Daveigh Chase, Oliver Tree, Lauren Bennett, Christy Knowings, Josh Grisetti, Jake Hall, Hayden Panettiere and Tay Keith, have also recently died.

Hayden Panettiere’s father speaks out after her death

Following the actress’s death, her father, Skip Panettiere, shared a statement: “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.”

“Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered,” a Greenville Police Department spokesperson said in a statement a day after her death.

“However, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene,” they added.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 13: Hayden Panettiere attends Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix's Ne
 Hayden Panettiere attends Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix's New Film 'Blonde' at TCL Chinese Theatre on September 13, 2022 in Hollywood, California (Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)

“The case is under investigation by the Greenville Police Department in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office,” the spokesperson added. “The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.”

According to reports, the autopsy showed that there was no physical trauma. Panettiere is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya.

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