Los Angeles: Hayden Panettiere, the actor best known for starring in the television series Heroes and Nashville, has died at the age of 36.The death was announced by Panettiere's father, Skip Panettiere, in a statement provided to ABC News on Sunday."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 onscreen," the statement said.No cause of death was announced. A publicist for Panettiere did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.Panettiere built a prolific acting career that began in the mid-1990s. Her credits included voice work as Dot in A Bug's Life, as well as roles in Remember the Titans and Scream VI.She rose to international prominence through her role as Claire Bennet, a cheerleader with regenerative powers, in NBC's hit series Heroes. The show's popular slogan, "Save the cheerleader, save the world," became a defining part of its success.Panettiere later starred in the musical drama Nashville, earning acclaim for her portrayal of country music singer Juliette Barnes.In recent years, Panettiere spoke openly about personal struggles, including alcohol addiction and depression, particularly following the birth of her daughter in 2014.In her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, published earlier this year, she discussed her decision to grant full custody of her daughter to former partner and boxer Wladimir Klitschko.
