By Juan Markos
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 08/16/2026
I am saddened by the news that Hayden Panettiere has passed away. Although the cause of her death has not been confirmed, it is indeed very sudden.
“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, as well as to the millions who watched her onscreen,” her father, Skip Panettiere, said in a statement.
Hayden Panettiere had a long and remarkable career, starting as a child star. She is best remembered for her roles on the hit TV shows “Heroes” and “Nashville.” I personally remember her early work on “One Life to Live.” She quickly transitioned into films like “Remember the Titans,” starring Denzel Washington. I also loved her in the teen movie “I Love You, Beth Cooper,” where she played Beth Cooper alongside Lauren London. One of my favorite films, which I recently rewatched, is “Bring It On: All or Nothing,” especially after seeing many people on social media reenacting the dance scenes from this film.
Hayden began her career at a very young age and worked non-stop for the last twenty-five years, continually evolving as an actress. She was part of the “Scream” franchise, starring in “Scream 4” and “Scream VI” as Kirby Reed. Recently, she appeared in the horror film “Sleepwalker” (2026), where she played Sarah, a grieving mother haunted by the loss of her daughter, alongside Justin Chatwin and Beverly D’Angelo.
She is survived by her daughter, Kaya Klitschko, whom she had in 2014 with her ex-fiancé, heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.
Tragically, her brother, Jansen Panettiere, passed away suddenly in February 2023 due to cardiomegaly (an enlarged heart) and aortic valve complications, as stated by his family at that time. He was only 28 years old.
Our hearts go out to Hayden’s family during this difficult time.
