Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles in ‘Heroes’, ‘Nashville’ and the ‘Scream’ franchise, has died at the age of 36, according to a report by TMZ.

Sources with direct knowledge told TMZ that Panettiere died earlier on Sunday. She and her on-again, off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson had reportedly travelled from Los Angeles to the South on Saturday. Hickerson’s family is aware of her death, according to the report.

Panettiere’s representative also confirmed her death in a statement to ABC News.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” the representative said, describing her as an actress who brought love and joy to those around her and to millions of viewers.

Panettiere began her career as a child actor and earned early recognition for her role as Sheryl Yoast in the 2000 sports drama ‘Remember the Titans’, where she appeared alongside Denzel Washington.

She became a household name after being cast as cheerleader Claire Bennet in NBC’s ‘Heroes’. She later starred as country singer Juliette Barnes in ‘Nashville’, a role that earned her multiple award nominations.

The actress was also part of the ‘Scream’ franchise, appearing in ‘Scream 4’ and ‘Scream VI’. She also lent her voice to the video game ‘Until Dawn’.

Panettiere’s personal life received considerable public attention over the years. She later spoke openly about her experiences with childhood fame, motherhood, mental health and grief in her memoir, ‘This Is Me: A Reckoning’.

The book also addressed the death of her younger brother, Jansen Panettiere, who died in 2023 at the age of 28. Hayden later spoke about the impact of his death and the guilt she carried after his passing.

Panettiere was also the mother of daughter Kaya, whom she shares with her former fiancé, boxer Wladimir Klitschko.

ALSO READ: Taylor Swift’s gold wedding band is the sweetest detail in her dreamy wedding guest look

She was last seen publicly at LaGuardia Airport in May, shortly before the release of her memoir.

Further details surrounding Panettiere’s death were not immediately available.