Hayden Panettiere, famous for playing cheerleader Claire Bennet in the NBC sci-fi series Heroeshas left Hollywood mourning following her sudden death, with many celebrities pouring in with heartfelt tributes.
In the late actress’s last Instagram post, where she was seen smiling with one of her pals, Selma Blair expressed her hope that Panettiere was still alive and had not left too soon.
“I love you. Don’t be gone. Don’t be gone. Please. Please,” Blair, 54, wrote in the comments section.
Jay Shetty, who invited Panettiere onto his famous podcast just three months ago before her tragic death, couldn’t believe she was gone so soon, especially when their friendship had just begun.
“@haydenpanettiere I can’t believe it. Our friendship had just begun and I was so moved by the conversation we shared earlier this year. My love and condolences to her family and fans,” Shetty, 38, penned under Variety’s Instagram post.
Kelly Osbourne took to her Instagram Stories to share the impact Panettiere’s unexpected death had on her.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of someone who meant so much to me. We understood each other in a way few truly can — recognising how difficult it is to grow up in the spotlight, and how isolating it can feel even when surrounded by so many people,” Osbourne, 41, remembered.
Moreover, Oscar-winning artist Viola Davis, who worked with Panettiere twice, co-starring with her in the 2006 drama film The Architect and later reuniting with her in the 2016 courtroom drama Custodyalso paid an emotional tribute to the late star.
“What an amazing talent you were….so gifted. Julius and I loved working with you….an old, wise soul with such a deep heart. I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming. I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes,” Davis, 61, stated via Instagram.
She added, “Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy. You will be remembered. Rest well, Hayden. Sending healing prayers to your family, your daughter, and all who loved you. May they always speak your name…”
About Hayden Panettiere’s death
Panettiere breathed her last at 36 after being found in cardiac arrest at a Greenville, South Carolina, residence on August 16, 2026. Her father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed her death. An autopsy showed no signs of trauma, with her official cause of death still pending toxicology results and further investigation.
Who is Hayden Panettiere survived by?
In addition to her father, Hayden Panettiere is survived by her mother, Lesley Vogel, and her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with her ex-fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko.
