RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Panettiere's father, Skip, and other representatives confirmed her death late Sunday. A cause of death has not been announced, though Variety reports that the case is currently under investigation by the Greenville Police Department in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner's Office.
"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," Skip Panettiere told ABC News . Related Stories 'It's Always Sunny' Season 18 Is for the Sickos 'Lanterns' Review: Episode 1 Lights Up Small-Town America with Big Mysteries and a Massive Twist — Spoilers
Panettiere began acting when she was less than a year old, and her career saw her star in soap operas like "Guiding Light" and "One Life to Live," beloved series like "Heroes" and "Nashville," and major film franchises like "Scream" and "Bring It On." The star was also a Grammy and Golden Globe nominee. In nearly four decades in the industry, Panettiere did it all, and her many co-stars and collaborators were quick to share their memories and tributes upon her passing.
Academy Award winner Viola Davis, who starred alongside Panettiere in the 2016 courtroom drama "Custody," took to Instagram to share her memories of the fellow star. In an Instagram post , Davis wrote that Panettiere was "an old wise soul with such a deep heart."
She added, "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. Your tests became your testimony and your testimony became your legacy."
Other co-stars and collaborators posted their own tributes. Melissa Barrera, who co-starred with Panettiere in "Scream VI," wrote in her own Instagram Story , "Rest in peace sweet Hayden," adding a broken heart emoji.
"💔 I love you Hayden 🕊️," Panettiere's "Scream 4" co-star David Arquette commented on Variety's Instagram post. And "Scream" writer Kevin Williamson posted a photo to his Instagram Stories of Panettiere in character in "Scream 4" with three red hearts.
Writer Bryan Fuller, who wrote the first season storyline of TV series "Heroes" around her cheerleader character Claire Bennet, wrote in an Instagram post that "Hayden was more than an actress she was a muse" and had been "wise beyond her years and already saddled with so much of a life."
Other "Heroes" stars have also offered tributes to Panettiere, including " Heroes " co-star David Anders, who wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of himself, Panettiere, and Milo Ventimiglia, "One of the brighter lights I've ever met and had the privilege to call a friend. … I love you Hayden. Always and forever. Wherever you are now."
"Heroes" co-star James Kyson wrote on Instagram that he was "deeply saddened" by Panettiere's death and remembered some of their earliest interactions. "I first met Hayden when she was 16, and she was already a veteran actor with such bright spirit, and an older soul. … I remember her as a fierce protector of animal rights and a 'cheerleader' for kindness, justice, and people being treated fairly — something that I've always appreciated."
Fellow actress and singer Bethany Joy Lenz, who starred on the CBS soap "Guiding Light" alongside Panettiere, wrote in an Instagram post that she was "crushed" by the loss. "She knew her lines and everyone else's. Her intelligence was astonishing. She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I'd ever seen on camera," Lenz wrote. "I don't understand how this is real. Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming back to life, wasn't she? It's too young and there's still so much more life."
Kelly Osbourne also shared her own grieft alongside a photo of Panettiere on her Instagram Stories , writing, "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 — recognizing how difficult it is to grow up in the spotlight, and how isolating it can feel even when surrounded by so many people. … My heart grieves for someone so special to this world and such a good friend to me. I will never forget you, Hayden, and I will always believe you deserved better. Rest in peace, sweet princess. You will never be forgotten."
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