American actress Hayden Panettiere, known to audiences for her roles in the series "Heroes" and "Nashville", has died at the age of 36, American media reported.
The news was confirmed by her father, Skip Panettiere, in a statement to ABC News. "It is with deep sadness that we announce 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 on screen," he said.
Skip Panettiere asked for the family to be left in peace while his loved ones "deal with this unimaginable loss".
At this time, the cause of the actress's death has not been disclosed. A representative for Panettiere also did not provide further information. According to reports in American media, an investigation into the case is underway.
Born in 1989, Hayden Panettiere began her career as a child and gradually established herself on both the television screen and in film. In addition to "Heroes" and "Nashville", she starred in the films "Remember the Titans", "Ice Princess", "Scream 4", "Scream 6", and "I Love You, Beth Cooper".
In May, she published her memoir, "This Is Me: A Reckoning". In the book, she recounts the pressures she experienced as a child in the entertainment industry, as well as her experiences related to addiction and recovery.
The actress has also spoken publicly about her complex relationship with her mother, who managed her career in her early years. Her mother later criticized her daughter's memoir.
For years, Panettiere was in a relationship with boxer Wladimir Klitschko. The two have an 11-year-old daughter.