Hayden Panettiere, who starred in television series ‘Heroes’ and ‘Nashville,’ dies at 36

Hayden Panettiere, an acclaimed actress known for her roles in television series "Heroes" and "Nashville," has passed away at the age of 36. Her father, Skip Panettiere, shared the heartbreaking news in a statement released to ABC News on Sunday. In his message, Skip expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their beloved daughter, highlighting her impact as "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."

Details regarding the cause of Hayden Panettiere's death have not been disclosed at this time, and her publicist has yet to respond to inquiries from The Associated Press. Panettiere had an extensive career spanning back to 1996, with notable roles in various films and television shows. Among her many credits, she lent her voice to Dot in "A Bug’s Life," starred alongside Kevin Costner in "Remember the Titans," and played a cheerleader with extraordinary abilities in the hit series "Heroes."

The show's mantra, "Save the cheerleader, save the world," became synonymous with her character and the series itself.

Panettiere's rise to fame was marked by her adventurous role in "Heroes," which not only garnered widespread acclaim but also brought her into the spotlight. Beyond her on-screen success, she was candid about her personal battles with alcohol addiction and depression. These struggles became particularly public following the birth of her daughter in 2014.

In a memoir titled "This Is Me: A Reckoning," published this year, Panettiere candidly shared her decision to grant full custody of her daughter to her former partner, professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko.