Until Dawn star Hayden Panettiere passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026. Her agent confirmed her sudden death through an official statement.
The actress was declared dead at age 36 after emergency services responded to an unresponsive woman that day. Recent reports from the Greenville Police Department have shed more light on her unexpected and tragic passing.
According to Greenville Police, there were no indications of foul play or suspicious activity in her death. A police spokesperson stated, “When responders arrived, medical aid was provided; however, Hayden Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene.”
The department is conducting an investigation in partnership with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.
ABC News reports that Panettiere was staying temporarily at the residence where her body was found. It was also noted that a friend or acquaintance of hers made the 911 call.
A photograph of Hayden Panettiere is included in the reports, showing the actress during her career.
The cause of her death has not been officially confirmed yet. However, sources from People magazine mention that emergency dispatch audio suggests officials discussed an overdose and cardiac arrest at the scene. The precise cause will be revealed after further medical investigations.
Panettiere launched her Hollywood career early, with notable roles such as Sarah Roberts in “One Life to Live” and Sheryl in “Remember the Titans.” In 2015, she starred as Samantha “Sam” Giddings in the PlayStation 4 horror game “Until Dawn.”
Her most well-known role was as Claire Bennet on the ABC television series “Heroes.” She also published a memoir titled This Is Me: A Reckoning on May 19, 2026, where she shared personal stories about her struggles, including growing up in Hollywood, losing her brother, her complicated relationship with her mother, and battling postpartum depression.