The 36-year-old actress renowned for her starring roles in Heroes and Nashville, passed away on August 16, 2026. She was found unresponsive after suffering cardiac arrest at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina. Emergency services were dispatched to the Judson Mill Lofts in Greenville, South Carolina, just before 2:00 p.m. local time on Sunday, August 16. An acquaintance found Panettiere unresponsive and placed a 911 call. Released preliminary autopsy findings from the Greenville County Coroner’s Office indicated that “no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death”. While obtained 911 dispatch audio showed emergency personnel initially responding to a suspected “overdose,” an official cause and manner of death remain pending toxicological and additional studies. Authorities from the Greenville City Police Department stated that the preliminary investigation shows no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. Panettiere’s father, Skip Panettiere, released a statement to ABC News remembering her as “an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her.” Panettiere is survived by her daughter, Kaya.