Hayden Panettiere’s sudden death has shocked fans, former co-stars, and friends who received a disturbing look at the actress’ final moments.
Panettiere, known for her roles in the “Bring It On” franchise and “Nashville,” died Sunday at 36.
Her death came just five days before what would have been her 37th birthday.
A statement from her father, Skip Panettiere, read, “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.”
An acquaintance called 911 around 1:51 p.m. from an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, reporting an “unresponsive female” who was in “cardiac arrest,” according to dispatch audio obtained by The Post.
Police and emergency medical personnel arrived shortly afterward and attempted to revive Panettiere.
The emergency response took a troubling turn. Another EMT reported that the call involved a possible “overdose” and said, “CPR is in progress.”
The circumstances surrounding that report have not been fully explained. Authorities have not announced a confirmed cause of death.
Medical personnel provided treatment, but they could not save her.
Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered. However, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene,” police said.
Police said the preliminary investigation has not uncovered evidence of foul play.
“The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances,” authorities said.
The Greenville Police Department and Greenville County Coroner’s Office are investigating. Officials planned an autopsy, but the available information does not establish what caused Panettiere’s death.
The actress’ death is particularly striking given how recently she had spoken publicly about her struggles.
Just three months ago, Panettiere released her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” in which she discussed addiction, postpartum depression, domestic abuse and the pressures she experienced while growing up in Hollywood.
Panettiere had previously been open about her battles with alcohol and opioids. In 2022, she recalled being just 15 when someone gave her “happy pills” before she appeared on a red carpet.
“They were to make me peppy during interviews,” she told People. “I had no idea that this was not an appropriate thing, or what door that would open for me when it came to my addiction.”
She also discussed the postpartum depression she experienced after giving birth to her daughter, Kaya, in 2014. Panettiere later gave up custody of Kaya in 2018, a decision she connected to the difficulties she was facing at the time.
Despite those struggles, Panettiere had described her recovery as a process that gave her a renewed sense of purpose. She underwent trauma therapy and inpatient treatment and spoke candidly about the difficult parts of getting sober.
“I put a lot of work into myself and I had to be willing to be incredibly honest,” she said.
She acknowledged that recovery had not been easy.
“This hasn’t been easy and there were a lot of ups and downs,” Panettiere said. But she added, “I don’t regret even the ugliest things that have happened to me. I feel incredibly accomplished. And I feel like I have a second chance.”
Panettiere began acting as a child, appearing in commercials before her first birthday. She later landed roles on “One Life to Live” and “Guiding Light.” At 9, she voiced Princess Dot in “A Bug’s Life” and appeared in “Remember the Titans” at 10, alongside Denzel Washington.
She has also starred in “Bring It On: All or Nothing,” “Ice Princess,” “I Love You, Beth Cooper,” and NBC’s “Heroes,” which premiered in 2006, making her a household name.
Panettiere’s death sent shock waves through Hollywood, with former co-stars and friends turning to social media to remember the actress and express disbelief over her sudden passing.
Her “Bring It On: All or Nothing” co-star Giovonnie Samuels also struggled to process the news.
In a TikTok video, Samuels revealed that she had received “17 missed calls and text messages and everything else” after Panettiere’s death. She also referenced the recent death of another Nickelodeon co-star, Christy Knowings.
@only1giovonnie #giovonniesamuels #fyp #bringitonallornothing #christyknowings #haydenpanettiere
♬ original sound – Giovonnie Samuels
“This is two in one week,” Samuels said before telling viewers she needed time to process the losses. “I’m going to process.”
Panettiere’s former “Heroes” co-star Don Benjamin also remembered her warmly.
“Damn! Worked with her on Heroes. What a kind soul. RIP,” Benjamin wrote.
Viola Davis, who appeared alongside Panettiere in the 2016 film “Custody,” shared an emotional tribute describing her as an extraordinary performer with a deeply thoughtful personality. “What an amazing talent you were….so gifted. Julius and I loved working with you….an old, wise soul with such a deep heart,” Davis wrote.
She said she wished the world had more time to see who Panettiere was becoming.
Davis also reflected on the actress’ resilience, writing, “I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes. Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy.”
She ended her message by sending prayers to Panettiere’s family, daughter and everyone who loved her.
Actress Tia Mowry responded with a broken-heart emoji, while singer Normani shared a white heart and dove. Niecy Nash-Betts kept her reaction brief, writing, “Oh no.”
Rapper Lil Mama also expressed disbelief over the actress’ death, writing, Hayden Noooo, I’ve always loved her. Unbelievable.”
The reactions reflect the shock surrounding Panettiere’s death, particularly for people who had watched her career unfold from childhood. Her death also comes a little more than three years after the death of her younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, who died at 28 in February 2023.
For fans who watched Panettiere grow from a child performer into one of television’s recognizable young stars, her death has come as a shock.
The disturbing details emerging from the 911 response have only added to the questions surrounding her final hours, while authorities continue working to determine exactly what happened.