Jenna Ortega pays tribute to late Scream star Hayden Panettiere: "A devastating loss"

Jenna Ortega has paid tribute to Hayden Panettiere, who died at the age of 36 over the weekend. The Wednesday star, who starred alongside the late actor in Scream VI, described her passing as a "devastating loss".

Taking to Instagram Stories on Monday (17 August), Ortega shared a photo of a young Panettiere with a heartfelt message, which read: "This is such a devastating loss. Rest well."

Melissa Barrera, who starred alongside Panettiere and Ortega in the sixth Scream movie, also shared a post on Instagram Stories, writing: "Rest in peace sweet Hayden." David Arquette, Panettiere's Scream 4 co-star, called the late actor a "brave and brilliant soul".

Viola Davis, who worked with Panettiere in Custody, shared a post on Instagram, writing: "What an amazing talent you were… so gifted. Julius [Tennon] and I loved working with you… an old, wise soul with such a deep heart.

"I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming. I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes. Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy.

"You will be remembered. Rest well, Hayden. Sending healing prayers to your family, your daughter, and all who loved you. May they always speak your name," concluded Davis in the post.

Panettiere, who was also known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, was found dead at her home in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday (16 August). A cause of death is yet to be disclosed, though authorities believe that there was no foul play.

"It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden," said a representative.

"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."

Earlier this year, Panettiere released her memoir This Is Me: A Reckoning. In it, she spoke about her struggles with addiction and her mental health, as well as her experience with postpartum depression following the birth of her daughter, Kaya, in 2014.

Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media.  His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.