Emotional Farewell: Celebrities Honor Hayden Panettiere After Her Passing
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Celebrities from all walks of entertainment are mourning alongside the rest of us when we heard the news of Hayden Panettiere’s passing.
Hayden Panettiere Passed Away On Sunday, August 16
Actress and singer Hayden Panettiere’s father, Skip, shared a heartbreaking statement Sunday evening (August 16), announcing the devastating news of her passing.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” the statement read. “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,” his statement to ABC News read.
While at first, no cause of death was revealed, as time passes, more information is coming to light.
RELATED: HAYDEN PANETTIERE WAS CELEBRATING “GOOD TIMES” IN HER FINAL POST BEFORE HER DEATH
Authorities in Greenville, South Carolina, issued a news release on Monday (August 17) stating that the actress died after police and EMS responded to a report of an unresponsive woman at the Judson Mill Lofts at 1:51 PM on Sunday (August 16).
The woman has since been identified as Panettiere.
According to TMZ, first responders administered “advanced cardiac life support” in an attempt to resuscitate the actress, but they were unsuccessful. She was pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m.
Broadcastify dispatch audio obtained by Country Rebel reportedly indicates that Hayden’s death may have been the result of cardiac arrest following an overdose.
The dispatcher is heard sharing the location of the incident and telling responding authorities that the call was for cardiac arrest. The audio shows an officer saying, “Overdose. CPR is in progress.”
An investigation into her death is being led by the Greenville Police Department and the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.
Hayden Panettiere Was One Of The Stars Of The Hit Show Nashville – See How The Cast Remembered Her
Panettiere’s resume was long, having been in the industry since before she turned one, with credits in commercials, television (Heroes, Nashville), movies (Remember The Titans, Ice Princess, Custody, the Scream franchise, and more). She even did voice acting in video games (Kingdom Heart).
After the news of her death was made public, tributes began pouring in from fans, friends, her Nashville cast, and many celebrities she has worked with or been interviewed by.
Brit Shaw, who played Olivia Wentworth in four episodes of Nashville, and had a romantic storyline with Hayden’s character Juliette Barnes, took to Instagram and posted several photos from their time together on set.
“This is a shock. Man, she was great,” she wrote. “She had this way of making you feel at home. From the moment I walked onto the Nashville set, she made me feel like I belonged. We had so many good times together, and I’ll always be grateful for them.”
Derek Hough, who acted alongside Hayden in Nashville, also paid tribute to his co-star. He played Noah West, who was an actor starring in the Patsy Cline biopic starring Hayden’s Juliette Barnes.
He wrote, “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. She was actually pregnant when we filmed together. Looking at this photo now, having recently become a father myself, breaks my heart.”
Hayden’s Other Co-Stars And Colleagues Paid Tribute As Well
Alyson Stoner, who took over voicing the role of Kairi from Hayden in the video game Kingdom Hearts, and also worked with Hayden’s late brother Jansen, posted a tearful tribute to the actress, sending condolences to Hayden and Jansen’s parents, who have lost both their children in the span of three years.
Some of her Scream co-stars also took to social media to mourn.
David Arquette wrote, “Sending my love to Hayden and her family. She was a brave and brilliant soul.”
Additionally, Arquette wrote in a comment on Variety‘s reporting of the actress’ death, “I love you Hayden.”
Another Scream co-star, Melissa Barrera, took to her Instagram Stories as well and said, “Rest in peace sweet Hayden.“
Podcaster Jay Shetty commented, “I can’t believe it. Our friendship had just begun and I was so moved by the conversation we shared earlier this year. My love and condolences to her family and fans.”
Bethany Joy Lenz shared an emotional tribute to Hayden on Instagram. See her full post below.
Actor Peter Facinelli wrote, “Good times and good friends indeed. @haydenpanetierre thanks for all the smiles.”
Lucy Hale wrote, “This one really hurts. May your soul be at rest Hayden,” on her Instagram Stories.
Matt Lanter, who worked with her on two projects, also paid tribute.
See more tributes below.
