Hayden Panettiere dies aged 36: Ex Brian Hickerson at scene when she died, say police

US actress Hayden Panettiere , who was best known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, has died aged 36 . Her death was confirmed by her representatives and followed by a statement.

The statement from her father, Skip, read: “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.”

The Coroner's office has now confirmed that Hayden's autopsy showed 'no signs of trauma' at the time of her death. It had been reported that the police were responding to a call about a suspected "cardiac arrest".

A preliminary police investigation has confirmed there were no signs of "foul play or suspicious circumstances" when they arrived at her home after a 911 emergency call from an acquaintance of Panettiere's.

Celebrities including Selma Blair, Viola Davis, Rosie O'Donnell, and singer JoJo have all paid tribute to the star as her former co-stars reach out across the globe.

Her final interviews have also uncovered some of her candid recent comments as she discussed giving up custody of her daughter while struggling with postpartum depression and addiction.

Alexa Vega has shared an Instagram post, honouring late child stars including Hayden, Daveigh Chase and Michelle Trachtenberg following their deaths over the last few years.

She said: "Hayden, Michelle, Daveigh... My heart is heavy today. These aren't just names from my childhood. They're girls I grew up alongside, sharing a world that was exciting and also incredibly hard.

"We were kids navigating something so big, and not everyone had the foundation or support they deserved. Today, I'm grieving and holding their families close in my prayers and thinking of everyone still fighting battles we can’t see. Hug your people close today."

A post-mortem examination was completed by the Greenville County coroner's office, which found that "no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death".

The cause and manner of death have not been confirmed. A statement from Greenville police department said: "On August 16, 2026, at approximately 1.51pm, officers from the Greenville police department, accompanied by EMS personnel, responded to a report of an unresponsive female at Judson Mill Lofts, located at 701 Easley Bridge Road.

"Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered; however, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The case is under investigation by the Greenville police department in conjunction with the Greenville county coroner’s office.

"The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An acquaintance of Ms Panettiere placed the 911 call."

Just three months before her death, Hayden spoke openly about her legacy. "I can hopefully leave the world a better place than I found it," she said.