Connie Britton ‘has no words’ after death of Nashville co-star Hayden Panettiere

Hayden Panettiere died aged 36 (Dennis Van Tine/PA) PA Archive Carla Feric 2 minutes ago Hollywood star Connie Britton said she has “has no words” after the death of Hayden Panettiere , who she hailed as “bursting with brilliance”.

Panettiere, who starred as Britton’s fierce rival in country music drama Nashville , died aged 36 at her home in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday.

Police said the US actress, who had struggled with addiction and her mental health, was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest, and there were “no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances”.

A statement from Panettiere’s representatives on Monday said the star will be remembered by her family as an “incredible light” who brought “immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her”.

Tributes poured in with co-star Britton among those “heartbroken” by the loss.

The Emmy-nominated actress, who appeared alongside Panettiere in the US drama for nearly five years, shared images of her on set with her former co-star.

“This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright,” she wrote.

The 59-year-old actress, also known for Friday Night Lights and American Horror Story, continued: “I have no words for this sad song.

“I love you girl. Sleep easy now,” she added, accompanied by a broken heart emoji.

Charles Esten, who played Deacon Claybourne on Nashville, recalled the first time he met Panettiere in a lengthy social media tribute.

“We became fast friends, working very hard to play those 2 troubled Nashvillians, but always having fun and laughing a whole lot along the way,” he wrote.

“She was, of course, extraordinarily talented, infusing her larger-than-life character with all the heart, charisma, humor, whip-smart intelligence, and flat-out magic that were, alongside whatever troubles and pain she carried, a part of her own personal palette.”

Panettiere, who played Kirby Reed in Scream 4 and Scream VI, was also remembered fondly by co-stars from the horror franchise.

Emma Roberts, who appeared alongside Panettiere in films such as Scream 4 and The Architect, shared snaps of the two sharing an embrace. Roberts wrote: “Rest in peace my sweet friend.