Hayden Panettiere, ‘Heroes’ and ‘Nashville’ actress, dead at 36

Emergency vehicles were photographed outside the Greenville, South Carolina, residence where actress Hayden Panettiere died Sunday at age 36.

One image, obtained by TMZ, showed a fire truck parked near the property alongside multiple ambulances. Another showed a Greenville County Coroner’s Office vehicle at the scene.

Police said officers and emergency medical personnel were dispatched shortly before 2 p.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive woman at Judson Mill Lofts. A preliminary investigation found no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances, according to authorities.

Panettiere, known for her roles in "Heroes" and "Nashville," was pronounced dead at the scene. Her cause of death has not yet been released.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Hayden Panettiere mourned the death of her younger brother, Jansen Panettiere, three years ago. Jansen died at age 28.

Jansen’s family remembered him as a deeply creative and compassionate person whose presence left a lasting impression on those around him in a statement shared with Fox News Digital at the time.

“Jansen’s heart could be seen in his eyes, and his charm in his brilliant, engaging smile; his soul in his masterful and revealing paintings, and the joy of life in his dry wit,” the family said.

They added, “His charisma, warmth, compassion for others, and his creative spirit will live forever in our hearts and in the hearts of all whom he encountered.”

The family said the medical examiner determined that Jansen’s sudden death was caused by cardiomegaly, or an enlarged heart, along with complications involving the aortic valve. It is not known whether the condition had been diagnosed before his death.

Jansen, like his older sister, worked as an actor, appearing in projects including "The Perfect Game," "Ice Age: The Meltdown" and "The Walking Dead."

More of Hayden Panettiere’s friends and former co-stars are sharing emotional tributes, remembering her kindness, compassion and the impact she had on their lives.

Kelly Osbourne shared a deeply personal tribute, speaking about the bond the two shared through their experiences growing up in the public eye.

“We understood each other in a way few truly can — recognizing how difficult it is to grow up in the spotlight, and how isolating it can feel even when surrounded by so many people,” Osbourne wrote on her Instagram Stories.

“My heart grieves for someone so special to this world and such a good friend to me,” she continued. “I will never forget you, Hayden, and I will always believe you deserved better.”

Osbourne concluded her tribute: “Rest in peace, sweet princess. You will never be forgotten.

Dania Ramirez, who starred alongside Hayden on “Heroes,” reflected on the love and energy she says Hayden brought to those around her.

“My heart aches so much right now. I love you and will always miss you,” Ramirez shared on Instagram. “I take comfort in knowing that I am with you in life and in death because your love and energy has always transcended this dimension.”

Ramirez also sent her thoughts to Hayden’s daughter and loved ones, adding, “I know that the ones that got to feel your gifts will forever feel blessed and grateful for you.”

Fellow “Heroes” co-star James Kyson recalled first meeting Hayden when she was just 16, describing her as a veteran actor with a “bright spirit” and an “older soul.”

Kyson remembered Hayden as “a fierce protector of animal rights” and a “‘cheerleader’ for kindness, justice, and people being treated fairly.”

“May your soul Rest in Peace Hayden… and my deepest condolences & prayers for her family,” he wrote on Instagram. “Life can be so short… let’s send some love out to the world, our loved ones, and to those who need it most today.”

Hayden Panettiere's own experiences growing up in Hollywood made her especially protective of child actors she then worked with on set.

"Having been one myself, I'm very, very protective of them," Panettiere told MovieFone back in January while promoting her film "Sleepwalker." For the film, Panettiere portrayed a grieving mother who is haunted by the tragic loss of her daughter.

"Especially with a dark subject matter like this, I was trying to be protective of them, their emotions, and them mentally, as well, and being able to pull them in and out of these dark, intense scenes."

That care extended beyond the most intense moments on set.

"Knowing when to shake it off, lighten up, crack some jokes and say, ‘OK. Now, let's get back into it.’ So, we don't have to spend all day feeling this heavy, dark weight following us around," she said. "I love them. They're just so pure. They're so energetic. They're so honest. They're so real and untainted, and they're beautiful."

Panettiere entered show business extraordinarily young, appearing in commercials as a baby before landing a role on “One Life to Live” at about 4 years old.

Panettiere’s major breakthrough came as Claire Bennet, the seemingly indestructible cheerleader at the center of NBC’s superhero drama “Heroes,” which ran from 2006 to 2010. She followed that success with another defining television role, country singer Juliette Barnes on “Nashville” from 2012 to 2018.

Hollywood stars and other celebrities are mourning Hayden Panettiere following the actress’ death at age 36.

Rosie O’Donnell shared her shock in a brief Instagram reaction, writing, “Oh my god — heartbroken.”

Selma Blair posted an emotional message of disbelief.

“I love you. Don’t be gone. Don’t be gone. Please. Please,” Blair wrote on Instagram.

Podcaster Jay Shetty reflected on a friendship with Panettiere that he said had only recently begun.

“I can’t believe it,” Shetty wrote. “Our friendship had just begun and I was so moved by the conversation we shared earlier this year. My love and condolences to her family and fans.”

Actors David Arquette and Melissa Barrera also shared brief tributes. Arquette wrote, “I love you Hayden,” while Barrera remembered the actress on her Instagram story, writing, “Rest in peace sweet Hayden.”

One month before her death at age 36, Hayden Panettiere told Fox News Digital she was looking toward the future and had a long list of things she still hoped to accomplish.

“I have a laundry list of things I would love to accomplish and create,” Panettiere told Fox News Digital during an interview about her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning.”

The “Heroes” and “Nashville” actress said at the time that she was “doing great” after years of struggles she chronicled in her memoir.

“I feel connected to myself,” she told Fox News Digital. “I feel like I'm taking good care of myself, checking in with myself.”

Panettiere had been candid both in her memoir and during the interview about addiction, treatment, postpartum depression and the painful decision to have her daughter, Kaya, live with her father, Wladimir Klitschko.

But while discussing where she was in her life last month, Panettiere struck an optimistic note.

“I feel more connected with myself than I ever have before,” she told Fox News Digital.

Panettiere also teased that she's been busy working on a potential new project.

"I have a show that I've been working on and I would love to create that," she said. "I would love to direct. I just want to share my secrets, my tricks, the things that I've learned in life and help others be their best selves."

In May, Panettiere told Jay Shetty during an appearance on his podcast that she felt like she had moved past the "darkness" that had defined much of her life.

“I finally feel like I have shaken off all of this darkness and this negativity,” Panettiere said. “That means that I’ve closed one door and another door is opened … I can feel all the exciting possibilities. I feel like I have a lot more life to live.”

Fox News Digital’s Stephanie Nolasco contributed to this report.

Just one month before her death at 36, Hayden Panettiere spoke candidly to Fox News Digital about her relationship with her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, and why she believed allowing her to live with her father was the right decision.

“I felt like I made the right call,” Panettiere told Fox News Digital during the interview. “I've seen who she is and she's an incredible human being. Something must have gone right.”

Panettiere, who shared Kaya with former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko, said she remained close with her daughter despite the distance between them.

“I travel a lot to Europe, and I spend a lot of time on FaceTime with her,” Panettiere told Fox News Digital. “And Wlad and I have a good relationship.”

As Kaya grew older, Panettiere said she saw more of herself in her daughter.

“She's 11 now, so time is flying,” she told Fox News Digital. “I feel like she's becoming more and more curious about me, my life and who I am. We're so similar. She is me. I understand her in a way that nobody else can.”

In her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” Panettiere described living apart from Kaya as “the most gut-wrenching experience of my life,” but wrote that she knew how “blessed” she was to be her mother.

Fox News Digital’s Stephanie Nolasco contributed to this report.

“One Tree Hill” actress Bethany Joy Lenz shared an emotional tribute to Hayden Panettiere, recalling knowing the actress since childhood and expressing disbelief over her death at 36.

“I’m crushed,” Lenz wrote on Instagram. “I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen.”

Lenz recalled Panettiere running through the halls of Screen Gems studios as a child, describing her as remarkably perceptive and talented even at a young age.

“Her intelligence was astonishing,” Lenz wrote. “She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I’d ever seen on camera.”

The actress said she and Panettiere remained connected on and off for nearly three decades, comparing their relationship to cousins who would reconnect at family reunions. Although the two repeatedly made plans to get together, Lenz said those meetings never quite happened and she largely kept up with Panettiere through mutual friends.

“I dont understand how this is real,” Lenz wrote. “Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming BACK to life, wasn’t she? It’s too young and there’s still so much more life.”

Lenz also expressed regret over the times she did not reach out and shared her heartbreak for Panettiere’s daughter.

“These are moments of how I knew you, in glimpses over 27 years,” she wrote alongside photos of them over the years. “I don’t know how to process this. I am praying for you to know the peace of God now and always.”

Viola Davis paid tribute to her former co-star Hayden Panettiere, remembering the late actress as an “amazing talent” with a “deep heart.”

Davis shared the emotional message on Instagram after Panettiere’s death at age 36. Davis and her husband, Julius Tennon, starred alongside Panettiere in the 2016 courtroom drama “Custody.”

“What an amazing talent you were….so gifted,” Davis wrote. “Julius and I loved working with you….an old, wise soul with such a deep heart.”

The Oscar-winning actress reflected on Panettiere’s life and legacy, writing that she wished “the world had more time” with her.

“I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes,” Davis wrote. “Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy. You will be remembered.”

Davis concluded by sending “healing prayers” to Panettiere’s family, daughter and loved ones, adding, “Rest well, Hayden. … May they always speak your name.”

"Nashville" actress Hayden Panettiere died, her representative confirmed to Fox News Digital. She was 36. 

Circumstances surrounding her death were not immediately made available. 

"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," her rep said in a statement provided to ABC News. 

The New York native began acting at a young age and was cast in "One Life to Live" when she was 4 years old. She found fame with a starring role alongside Denzel Washington in the 2000 classic, "Remember the Titans."

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News Digital's Tracy Wright.