Hayden Panettiere, renowned American actress, dies aged 36

Actress Hayden Panettiere has died aged 36, her representative has told several US media outlets

Panettiere’s father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed her death in a statement issued through her representative.

“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,” he said.

Details surrounding her death were not immediately available.

Panettiere was widely known for her role as Claire Bennet in the television series Heroes. She later starred as Juliette Barnes in Nashville, while her film credits included Remember the Titans and Raising Helen.

Her father also asked for privacy “as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss”, according to the statement released through her representative.

Panettiere began her acting career as a child and was four years old when she appeared on the US soap opera One Life to Live.

Her early television work helped establish a career that later included prominent roles in both television and film.