‘Heroes’ star Hayden Panettiere dies at 36, father confirms tragic death

Hayden Panettiere, the actor known for popular television series including “Heroes” and “Nashville,” has died. She was 36.

Panettiere's father, Skip, announced her death 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,” his statement said.

No cause of death was announced. A publicist for Panettiere did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press.

Hayden Panettiere's career spanned nearly three decades

Panettiere began her career as a child actor in 1996 and went on to build an extensive list of television and film credits.

She voiced Dot in “A Bug's Life” and appeared in films including “Remember the Titans” and “Scream VI”.

Her breakthrough came with “Heroes”, the hit television series in which she played cheerleader Claire Bennet, a character with superpowers. The show became known for the line “Save the cheerleader, save the world.”

She later starred as country singer Juliette Barnes in the television drama “Nashville”, further establishing herself as a prominent television actor.

Panettiere spoke openly about personal struggles

Panettiere had publicly discussed her struggles with alcohol addiction and depression, including difficulties she experienced following the birth of her daughter in 2014.

Her personal experiences also became the subject of her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning”, published this year.

In the book, Panettiere wrote about her decision to give full custody of her daughter to her former partner, boxer Wladimir Klitschko.

Her death was announced by her father, who remembered her as someone who brought joy to both those close to her and the millions who watched her work onscreen.