Hayden Panettiere remembered as an ‘incredible light’

The father of late Hollywood star, Hayden Panettiere, has described his daughter as an “incredible light” and a “force of nature”.

The actress died yesterday at the age of 36, with the circumstances surrounding her death not yet disclosed.

Her father, Alan ‘Skip’ Panettiere, says she brought immeasurable love and joy to everyone who knew her, as well as to the millions of fans who watched her on screen.

Her family has asked for privacy as they mourn their loss.

She rose to international fame playing cheerleader Claire Bennet in the hit television series ‘Heroes’ and later starred as country singer Juliette Barnes in ‘Nashville’. She also appeared in films including ‘Remember the Titan’s and the ‘Scream’ franchise.

Panettiere was also known for her work as a voice actress, including voicing the character Kairi in the popular ‘Kingdom Hearts video’ game series.

Earlier this year, Panettiere released her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, in which she opened up about her life, career and experiences in Hollywood.

“I will say it was a very therapeutic experience. I’ve been writing it for about two years, and it’s terrifying all at the same time. I mean, I put it all out there.

“I was like, if I’m going to do this, I’m going to go for it. I’m not going to hold back. I’m going to tell my entire life story from the beginning to where I am now and everything that I’ve been through. And I just hope that by sharing my experiences, it can inspire and help other people going through whatever they’re going through in their lives.”

Panettiere is survived by her daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with her former partner, Ukrainian former world heavyweight boxing champion, Wladimir Klitschko.

Her death has prompted an outpouring of grief from fellow actors, friends and fans, who have paid tribute to her talent, resilience and impact on the entertainment industry.

RIP:

“Heroes” star Hayden Panettiere dead at 36.

Cause of death not reported.

In May, she published a memoir titled This Is Me – A Reckoning — detailing a difficult decade in her life that involved postpartum depression, addiction, substance abuse and domestic abuse, as… pic.twitter.com/J8P7VXTsAF

— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) August 17, 2026

👀 Hayden Panettiere JUST DIED at 36… 3 months after her bombshell exposure of the Elite Hollywood/ Music system.

Above all she was a mom. She leaves behind her daughter Kaya.

Barely three months after she finally spoke up. In her new book and on that Jay Shetty… https://t.co/6v5JFke9xZ pic.twitter.com/apTpP4Xgy2

— Johnny St.Pete (@JohnMcCloy) August 17, 2026

The last footage of Hayden Panettiere alive on the streets of NYC before her death.

What stands out to you? pic.twitter.com/AAFzDASqJz

— USA NEWS 🇺🇸 (@usanewshq) August 17, 2026

RIP Hayden Panettiere – One of the best looking people on the planet, has died aged 36.
Given alcohol at 13yo
Given pills at 15yo.
Physically placed in the bed of a very famous naked man at 18yo.
Had her face smashed in by a guy at 31yo.
Last seen with that same attacker in 2026. https://t.co/LvmyFEqo5j

— Daniel Gardecki (@Danstarr69BCAFC) August 17, 2026

That smile. That presence.
Hayden Panettiere left us at just 36.
Thank you for the memories, the roles, and the honesty.
Gone too soon. https://t.co/myWqcSKMCt

— Ooni of Surulere 👑 🌟 (@iamklo_25) August 17, 2026

Pay attention to the way Hayden Panettiere was walking in the final months before her death.

One morning, about a year ago, she woke up with a mysterious nerve injury that left her feeling only pins-and-needles/tingling from the waist down. pic.twitter.com/0RCvybDfv2

— Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) August 17, 2026

Heartbreaking breaking news: Hayden Panettiere has died at just 36 years old, leaving behind her young daughter, Kaya. 💔

Hayden spoke openly over the years about her struggles with postpartum depression, alcoholism and addiction. She never hid how difficult those battles could… pic.twitter.com/1sNZJBlFud

— Kylie Jane Kremer (@KylieJaneKremer) August 17, 2026