Less than a week before turning 37, American actress Hayden Panettiere, best known for her parts in the TV shows Nashville and Heroes, passed away at the age of 36.
On Sunday, August 16, 2026, Panettiere passed away in Greenville, South Carolina. In a statement sent by the family, her father, Skip Panettiere, announced her passing.
“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 and to the millions who watched her on-screen,” her father said.
At approximately 1:50 p.m. on Sunday, officers and emergency medical workers went to a report of an unconscious woman, according to the police. After being identified, Panettiere was declared dead at the site.
The death is still being investigated, according to police, who also stated that there are no indications of foul play or unusual circumstances based on the initial findings.
ALSO READ: Nollywood Director Dimbo Atiya is Dead
Before appearing as Juliette Barnes in Nashville, which earned her two Golden Globe nods, Panettiere gained notoriety as Claire Bennet in Heroes.
She also starred in films such as the Scream series and Remember the Titans.
Less than a week before her 37th birthday, which would have been on August 21, she passed away.
Dimbo Atiya, a top Nollywood film director, has died. Atiya reportedly died on Thursday morning.
Seun Oloketuyi, founder of the Best of Nollywood Awards (BON), announced the sad news in an Instagram post.
He wrote: “Dimba Atiya is dead. The top Nollywood director passed on this morning. Details later.”
Also sharing the deceased’s picture on Instagram, actor Mofe Duncan wrote, “God no, not Dimbo. I’m devastated. One of the greatest minds of the entertainment industry.”
His passing was announced just hours after Tope Osoba, an actress, passed away.
