New law enforcement records shed light on the circumstances surrounding Hayden Panettiere’s death. The actress was announced dead at 36 earlier this week by a representative in a statement to the media. At the time, no details regarding the cause of her death were revealed.
The Greenville Police Department has told Variety that it does not suspect any foul play regarding Panettiere’s untimely passing. According to the department, the emergency medical services received reports of an “unresponsive female” at around 1:51 pm on Sunday, August 16, 2026. “Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered; however, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene,” said a police spokesperson.
The GPD also announced that it’s investigating the case in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office. As for the 911 call, it was placed by an acquaintance of Ms. Panettiere.
Hayden Panettiere’s career and personal struggles
Panettiere started her career in the entertainment industry at a young age. Her first starring roles included playing Sarah Roberts in One Life to Live, Lizzie Spaulding in Guiding Light, Sheryl in Remember the Titans, among others. Following several other roles across film and TV, the American actress and singer landed one of her most well-known roles in Heroes, playing Claire Bennet, the lead. She followed it up with another lead role in the ABC drama Nashville, which earned her two Golden Globe nominations.
Earlier this year, Panettiere published the memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, which includes deeply personal stories of her struggle with stardom, among other topics. These include her recollection of losing her brother, suffering from postpartum depression, and her troubled relationship with her mother.
Panettiere is survived by her daughter, Kaya, and partner, Wladimir Klitschko.
Originally reported by Rahul Majumdar on ComingSoon.
