Until Dawn star Hayden Panettiere has died aged 36

Actress Hayden Panettiere has sadly passed away aged 36, as confirmed by her father in a statement provided to US media.

"It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” began the statement from Skip Panettiere.

“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.”

He continued by asking for privacy as "as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss".

No further information was offered concerning the details surrounding Panettiere’s sudden passing.

Panettiere starred in beloved projects including Until Dawn, Heroes, and Nashville

Panettiere boasted a long and illustrious career, despite her young age, having started acting during her childhood.

However, she’s perhaps best known to the gaming community as Sam, lead protagonist from acclaimed 2015 interactive horror game Until Dawn.

Panettiere reprised the role for bonus scenes in 2024’s remake of the title, with a post-credits scene teasing further adventures for Sam.

Until Dawn 2 is now confirmed for 2027 but given that it centres on a new cast of characters, there’s no word on whether Panettiere has now posthumously reprised the role again.

Panettiere also famously voiced Kairi and Xion in the Kingdom Hearts series.

It’s perhaps for her television work though that Panettiere became a household name.

In 2006, Panettiere booked her breakout role as Claire Bennet in Heroes, going on to appear in 73 episodes of the series, ending her tenure in 2010.

NBC

She then went on to star as fictional country music star Juliette Barnes in hit series Nashville from 2012 to 2018; the series catapulted the cast into the country music charts and saw the series embark on several world tours.

In recent years, Panettiere chose to focus on her film career, appearing as Kirby Reed in the Scream films.

Her most recent project was film Sleepwalker, where the actress portrayed Sarah Pangborn while also serving as executive producer.

In 2026, Panettiere notably released her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, in which she opened up about the challenges that came with being a child actor as well as her experiences with addiction and abuse.

Panettiere was previously married to Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko with whom she had a daughter, Kaya.

Following Kaya’s birth, Panettiere bravely opened up about her struggles with postpartum depression.

Tributes have already begun to pour in. Scream co-star Melissa Barrera said, “Rest in peace sweet Hayden.”

“We mourn the sudden passing of Hayden Panettiere,” union SAG-AFTRA added.

Fans are also sharing their responses. “First Michelle Trachtenberg, now Hayden Panettiere. I’m so sad. I can’t believe this, my ice princesses both gone,” one said.

GAMINGbible extends its condolences to Panettiere’s family, friends, and colleagues.