Hayden Panettiere, widely recognized for her memorable role as the unbreakable cheerleader Claire Bennet on NBC’s “Heroes” and later as the country sensation Juliette Barnes in “Nashville,” has passed away.
The actress was 36 years old.
Panettiere’s representative conveyed the heartbreaking news of her passing to ABC News on Sunday.
“With heavy hearts, we announce the tragic loss of our dear Hayden,” her spokesperson stated.
“She was a remarkable ray of light and an extraordinary presence who spread boundless love and joy to everyone she encountered — and touched the lives of millions who followed her remarkable journey on screen,” continued the statement.
No cause of death or details about the circumstances surrounding her death were immediately provided.
The former child star and mom of one recently opened up about growing up in the spotlight, postpartum depression and her struggles with substance abuse in her memoir “This Is Me: A Reckoning” published in May.