Jeremy Renner has joined the numerous celebrities offering kind words in the wake of Hayden Panettiere’s death at age 36. While Renner and Panettiere didn’t have overlapping roles in a film together, Renner wrote “Bless you and your family” on People’s Instagram post regarding her passing.
Panettiere was found unresponsive following police and emergency medical personnel responding to a 911 call placed by an acquaintance of the actress. A spokesperson for the Greenville Police Department said that medical assistance was administered, but that Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene after paramedics were unable to revive her. The suspected cause of death is cardiac arrest from an overdose.
Hayden Panettiere is remembered for her roles as Kirby Reed in “Scream 4,” Claire Bennet in “Heroes,” Juliette Barnes in “Nashville,” and Sarah Roberts in “One Life to Live.” Panettiere also voiced notable characters in both films and video games, including Princess Dot in “A Bug’s Life,” Samantha in “Until Dawn,” and Kairi in “Kingdom Hearts.”
Remembering Hayden Panettiere
Celebrities and news outlets have been paying tribute to Panettiere following news of her death, including those who didn’t appear directly onscreen with her, such as Jeremy Renner.
Connie Britton, Panettiere’s co-star on “Nashville,” paid tribute by sharing a series of photos from their time on set along with a caption saying, “This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright. I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak. I love you girl. Sleep easy now.”
Panettiere’s father, Skip Panettiere, told ABC News, “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.”
Panettiere’s Struggles and Loss of her Brother
A few years ago, Panettiere’s younger brother, Jansen, died from an enlarged heart at age 28, which has led to her own death being seen as an echo of her brother’s. Panettiere spoke with PEOPLE about his death in an interview in 2024.
In this interview, she said, “When I lost him, I felt like I lost half of my soul… I will always be heartbroken about [him], I will never be able to get over it. No matter how many years go by, I will never get over his loss.”
While Panettiere’s final Instagram post shows her smiling with Randall Slavin alongside the caption, “Good times and good friends @randallslavin ✨,” her co-star from her final film shared that she was struggling during that time.
Justin Chatwin first starred with Panettiere in “Heroes,” and he would star with her again in her final film “Sleepwalker” 15 years later. Chatwin spoke with PEOPLE about his observations of Panettiere during filming, saying, “I could tell she was struggling, and I was like, ‘I don’t think it’s this movie.’ There’s a handful of women that I’ve worked with that I really liked, and I really loved working with her, but I also know that she was really lonely.”
Panettiere’s passing has shocked and saddened those who worked with her, and even those who didn’t, such as Renner.
Our hearts go out to Panettiere’s family and those who loved her during this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
