‘Heroes’ star Hayden Panettiere dies aged 36, father confirms

Hayden Panettiere, star of popular television series including Heroes and Nashville, has died. She was 36.

Panettiere’s father, Skip, announced the actress’ death in a statement provided to ABC News on Sunday.

“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,” his statement said.

No cause of death was announced, and a publicist for Hayden Panettiere did not immediately respond.

Panettiere, who would have turned 37 on Friday, began her career as a child actor in commercials and soap operas.

Her role as a cheerleader with superpowers in Heroes propelled her to fame in 2006, with the series revolving around the mantra, “Save the cheerleader, save the world.”