Actress Hayden Panettiere has died at age 36 in South Carolina, with a preliminary autopsy showing no signs of violence or criminal activity.
The Greenville County Coroner's Office stated on Monday that examiners found no evidence of trauma that contributed to her death. Officials confirmed that her cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and additional medical studies.
Emergency services arrived at a residence in the Judson Mill Lofts complex in Greenville after receiving a distress call, where responders found Panettiere in cardiac arrest.
Coroner investigation in Greenville
The 36-year-old American actress, model, and singer was found dead at the residential complex in South Carolina. Local authorities quickly launched an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding her passing.
Forensic officials emphasized that the preliminary autopsy ruled out foul play and physical trauma. Additional toxicology and laboratory studies are underway to determine the exact cause of death, according to the coroner's office.
Star of Heroes and Nashville
Panettiere launched her career as a child performer before building a long trajectory across American television and cinema. She gained worldwide recognition for her role as cheerleader Claire Bennet in the hit sci-fi drama series Heroes.
She achieved further major success starring as country music singer Juliette Barnes in the drama Nashville. Panettiere appeared in 128 episodes of the show between 2012 and 2018, earning two Golden Globe nominations for her performance. The Golden Globes are among the prominent awards in American film and television.
Her film credits include roles in the sports drama Remember the Titans, the comedy Raising Helen, the feature Ice Princess, and the horror sequel Scream IV.
Childhood acting and family background
Born and raised in Palisades, New York, Panettiere grew up in a household connected to public service and performing arts. Her mother worked as a soap opera actress, while her father served as a captain in the fire department.
She began acting in television commercials as a child before securing recurring roles in television series. As a child star, she made appearances on popular shows including the legal comedy-drama Ally McBeal and the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle.
Personal candidness and family history
Throughout her career, Panettiere spoke openly about her personal life and struggles. In May, she published her memoir titled This Is Me: A Reckoning, detailing her experiences from childhood into adulthood.
Panettiere was the mother of a daughter, Kaya Klitschko, born in 2014 during her relationship with her former partner Wladimir Klitschko. Klitschko is a Ukrainian former heavyweight boxing world champion.
In a 2022 interview with Good Morning America, resurfaced by ABC News, Panettiere spoke candidly about her struggle with alcoholism and postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a medical condition that can affect mothers following childbirth.
Her death comes after a personal family loss. Her younger brother, Jansen Panettiere, died suddenly at age 28 in February. A family statement released after his death confirmed he died from cardiomegaly, an enlargement of the heart, along with aortic valve complications.
