Hayden Panettiere, who starred in TV series 'Heroes' and 'Nashville,' dies at 36

Hayden Panettiere, a prominent actress known for her roles in the television series "Heroes" and "Nashville," has passed away at the age of 36. Her father, Skip, announced her death in a statement to ABC News on Sunday, expressing deep sorrow over her sudden passing. The statement highlighted Hayden's significant impact, describing her 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."

No specific cause of death was disclosed, and a publicist for Hayden Panettiere has yet to respond to inquiries from The Associated Press. Hayden's career began in her youth, with appearances in commercials and soap operas. However, it was her role as a cheerleader with extraordinary powers in the hit series "Heroes" that brought her widespread fame in 2006.

The show's premise centered around the mantra "Save the cheerleader, save the world," reflecting the unique blend of reality and science fiction that captivated audiences.