Michelle Rodriguez says young stars dying is 'not normal' after Hayden Panettiere’s death

Michelle Rodriguez has spoken out about the recent deaths of several young stars, saying it is “not normal” to see so many people dying at such young ages.

The Fast & Furious actress shared her thoughts following the death of Hayden Panettiere, who died at 36 on August 16. Rodriguez and Panettiere had worked together on Scream 4, in which they played Gale Weathers and Kirby Reed respectively.

Rodriguez said Panettiere’s death was particularly difficult for her because of their connection and recalled seeing the actress at the World Music Awards shortly before her death. She also reflected on the number of young people who have died in recent years.

“I can’t stand how many young people are leaving us lately,” Rodriguez said, describing the situation as “not normal.”

Panettiere's death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from people who worked with her throughout her career. The actress, who became a star through projects including Heroes, Remember the Titans and Nashville, was 36.

Rodriguez's comments also come amid renewed attention on the deaths of other young actors, including Michelle Trachtenberg, who died at 39 in 2025, and Daveigh Chase, who died at 35 earlier this year.

The recent losses have prompted fellow former child stars to reflect on the particular pressures faced by performers who grow up in the entertainment industry. Alexa PenaVega, who also began acting as a child, recently mourned Panettiere, Trachtenberg and Chase while discussing the challenges they shared as young performers.

For Rodriguez, Panettiere’s death has therefore become part of a much broader concern about the number of young entertainers whose lives have been cut short. Her comments underline the grief surrounding Panettiere's death while drawing attention to a string of losses that has affected Hollywood in recent years.