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American actress Hayden Panettiere, widely known for her roles in the television series "Heroes" and "Nashville," has died at the age of 36, her representative confirmed to ABC News late Sunday. No details about the circumstances of her death were immediately available.
Panettiere's father, Skip Panettiere, announced her death in a statement and described the actress as a deeply loved presence both within her family and among audiences who followed her career.
"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," he said.
The family also asked for privacy as they grieve, while further information about her death had not been released.
Panettiere started acting as a child before building up a long career across television and film. She became particularly well known for playing Claire Bennet in NBC's superhero series Heroes and Juliette Barnes in the drama series Nashville.
Her film work also included "Remember the Titans," "Raising Helen," "Ice Princess" and "Scream 4."
Alongside her acting career, Panettiere had spoken publicly about difficulties she faced as she moved from childhood fame into adulthood. In May, she released a memoir titled "This Is Me: A Reckoning."
Her death comes more than three years after the sudden death of her younger brother, Jansen Panettiere, who died in February 2023 at the age of 28. The family said at the time that his death resulted from an enlarged heart together with complications involving the aortic valve.
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