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Hollywood star Hayden Panettiere dies aged 36 as heartbroken family lead tributes

The star of 'Heroes' and 'Nashville' has died at age 36, her agent has confirmed, with her family issuing a statement to ask for privacy after they navigate their shock loss

[Hayden Panettiere ]

Hayden Panettiere has died aged 36(Image: Getty Images)

Hayden Panettiere, star of TV's Heroes and Scream 4 and Scream VI, has tragically passed away, her representative confirmed to ABC News. She was just 36 years old.

A statement from Panettiere's father was released via the American news network, requesting privacy as the Panettiere family grapples with their loss.

"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," her father, Skip Panettiere, said in a statement.

[Her cause of death is unknown]

Her cause of death is unknown

The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear. On social media, Panettiere's last-ever social media post - a snap of herself with director and podcaster Randall Slavin posted in July - has become a makeshift online memorial to the late star.

One user wrote: "This is the most shocking news. I remember seeing one of your first roles in Remember the Titans. Loved your work in Heroes as well. Rest easy and may god be with you, Hayden."

A second added: "My stomach hurts. I'm trying to understand this. Like dude no." A third said: "You deserved an easier, more peaceful, and much, much longer life. Rest Easy."

Fellow American actress Selma Blair wrote: "I love you. Dont be gone. Dont be gone . Please. Please." Her death comes mere months after memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, hit bookstores on May 19.

In her book, the mum-of-one sheds light on some of her experiences navigating Hollywood as a teenage star. The Scream actress recounts an incident in which an Oscar-winning actor allegedly exposed himself to her at a party, as well as a disturbing episode aboard a yacht where a trusted, unnamed friend placed her in bed next to a 'very famous' naked man.

Panettiere also opened up about her struggles with mental health, the loss of her younger brother, Jansen, and her decision to give full custody of her daughter to her former partner, Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko.

"The idea that anyone would think that I would just give away my child and be okay with it is heartbreaking and couldnt be further from the truth, she told podcaster Jay Shetty after the release of her memoir in May.

Panettiere said her daughter had lived with her father full-time from a young age amid the actresses struggles with addiction and mental health. She said: I was struggling with mental health and anxiety and the postpartum and having to act my way through it and just feeling like I completely lost myself.

The American actress is best known for playing Claire Bennet in Heroes, Kirby Reed in Scream and Juliette Barnes in Nashville. She has also appeared in the films Dinosaur, Remember the Titans, Tiger Cruise, Racing Stripes, Ice Princess and Bring It On: All Or Nothing.

The Daily Star has approached Panettiere's publicist for further comment.

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