Hilary Duff is mourning the loss of childhood friend Hayden Panettiere. While the two never starred in a project together, they both grew up in front of the camera and formed a close bond in their youth.
“Sweet Hayden. Really tough hearing the news. We lost touch through the years, but I will always remember you as so hardworking and effervescent, with that big, gorgeous smile,” Duff shared via Instagram on Tuesday, August 18. “I remember staying up late, chatting and gossiping, and connecting because we were part of such a small sliver of people who actually understood the strange lot in life we were navigating…so young, with no real idea how to make sense of any of it.”
She added, “I so deeply wish this wasn’t the end for you. Sending a heart full of love to your family, the many people you impacted and everyone who love you. Rest easy.”
Hayden Panettiere Death
The “Remember the Titans” actress tragically died at the age of 36 on Sunday, August 16. She was just days away from her 37th birthday.
Panettiere was found unresponsive inside a Greenville, South Carolina, apartment where boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother were staying.
“Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered; however, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene,” a spokesperson for the Greenville Police Department told People.
“The case is under investigation by the Greenville Police Department in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office. The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An acquaintance of Ms. Panettiere placed the 911 call.”
The former child star’s father shared a heartbreaking statement asking for privacy “as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss.”
“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,” her father, Skip Panettiere, said in a statement to ABC News.
An autopsy determined that her death involved “no foul play,” though her official cause of death is still pending.
Remembering Hayden Panettiere
Friends and former co-stars of the “Ice Princess” actress have flooded social media in the days since her passing.
“Devastated…… We first met on the LIRR traveling to NYC for auditions when we were both kids. Every time our paths crossed, my heart always filled up. She was special. She was a Sprite of a being and such a talent. Truly a light….. Love you, Hayden,” “Princess Diaries” actress Heather Matarazzo shared via Instagram.
Emma Roberts, who worked with Hayden on “Scream 4,” wrote, “Rest in peace my sweet friend. you are so loved and you will be forever missed ❤️.”
“Dancing With the Stars” pro Derek Hough shared a memory from the set of “Nashville.”
“Heartbroken to hear about Hayden’s passing. The little time I got to spend with her, she was so sweet, so kind. I’ve always admired her work and the joy she brought people,” he wrote. “She was actually pregnant when we filmed together. Looking at this photo now, having recently become a father myself, breaks my heart.”
