Actress Hayden Panettiere found dead in South Carolina

An investigation is underway following the death of actress Hayden Panettiere in Greenville, South Carolina.

(NBC)- An investigation is underway following the death of actress Hayden Panettiere in Greenville, South Carolina.

Police said they responded to a report of an unresponsive woman who was later identified as Panettiere. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released a cause of death.

Her father described her death as an “unimaginable loss,” remembering his daughter as “an incredible light and a force of nature.”

Panettiere spent most of her life working as an actress, gaining early recognition for her role in the 2000 film “Remember the Titans.”

She rose to international fame in 2006 as cheerleader Claire Bennet in the NBC series “Heroes.” Panettiere later starred as ambitious country singer Juliette Barnes in the musical drama “Nashville,” a role that earned her two Golden Globe nominations.

In recent years, Panettiere spoke publicly about struggles in her personal life, including addiction, anxiety, panic attacks and postpartum depression.

Panettiere became a mother in 2014 with her then-partner, professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko. She later gave Klitschko full custody of their daughter.

She also endured the death of her younger brother, Jansen Panettiere, who died in 2023 from heart complications. Panettiere later spoke about the profound impact his death had on her life.

In the months before her death, Panettiere had been promoting a new book and sharing interactions with fans.

Tributes are now pouring in from Hollywood, including actress Viola Davis, who wrote, “I wish the world had more time with you.”