'Spy Kids' star Alexa PenaVega mourns Hayden Panettiere, Daveigh Chase, Michelle Trachtenberg deaths
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA: Alexa PenaVega is reflecting on the realities of growing up in Hollywood following the death of fellow former child star Hayden Panettiere on Sunday, August 16, at age 36.
PenaVega's tribute to Panettiere also remembered actresses Michelle Trachtenberg and Daveigh Chase, fellow child stars who grew up working in the entertainment industry from a young age and shared similar experiences navigating Hollywood as young performers.
Alexa PenaVega remembers Hayden Panettiere, Michelle Trachtenberg and Daveigh Chase
PenaVega shared her tribute to Panettiere, Trachtenberg and Chase on Instagram on Monday, August 17. “Hayden, Michelle, Daveigh… my heart is heavy today,” she wrote, adding, “These aren’t just names from my childhood."
She further said, "They’re girls I grew up alongside, sharing a world that was exciting and also incredibly hard.” Trachtenberg, who died in February 2025 at 39, was known for her roles in 'Harriet the Spy,' 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Gossip Girl.'
Chase began acting as a child and became widely known for voicing Lilo in Disney's 'Lilo & Stitch' before she died on June 16 at 36.
PenaVega also began acting as a child, appearing in films including 'Twister' and 'Dennis the Menace Strikes Again!' before landing her breakout role as Carmen Cortez in the 2001 hit 'Spy Kids.' She went on to reprise the role in several sequels, becoming one of the most recognizable young stars of the franchise.
Panettiere similarly began working in entertainment at a young age. She started acting on soap operas including 'One Life to Live' and 'Guiding Light,' before landing roles in 'Remember the Titans,' 'Heroes,' 'Nashville' and the 'Scream' franchise.
For PenaVega, her death brought their shared childhood experiences back into focus. She said, “We were kids navigating something so big, and not everyone had the foundation or support they deserved, Today, I’m grieving and holding their families close in my prayers and thinking of everyone still fighting battles we can’t see. Hug your people close today.”
Hayden Panettiere's death investigation remains ongoing
The Greenville County Coroner's Office announced that an autopsy had been completed after Panettiere was found unresponsive in Greenville, releasing new details about her death on Monday, August 17.
"At autopsy no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death,” read a statement by coroner Mike Ellis, adding, “The cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies."
It further said, "This investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details are available for release at this time.”
The statement also shared details regarding what first responders encountered when they answered the 911 call at approximately 1:51 pm on August 16. It stated, “First responders and Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene and located a female in cardiac arrest."
It continued, "EMS personnel initiated advanced cardiac life support measures; however, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and the individual was pronounced deceased at 2:32 pm.” The individual was later identified as Panettiere, who was “found unresponsive inside the residence, where she had been temporarily staying.”
The statement concluded, “The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An acquaintance of Ms. Panettiere placed the 911 call.”
