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Actress Hayden Panettiere Dies at Age 36
Just the facts
Actress Hayden Panettiere died at the age of 36, as confirmed by her official media representative. Panettiere gained international recognition for her primary starring roles in television drama series, including "Heroes" and "Nashville." Over her multi-decade career, she also performed in numerous feature films and worked as a voice actress in animated productions. Her representative did not disclose a cause of death in the public statement.
Why this is news
Public representatives for actress Hayden Panettiere announced her passing to news organizations on August 16, 2026. The announcement prompted responses across the entertainment industry.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.