‘Please don’t be gone’: Celebrities share sad tributes following Hayden Panettiere’s death

Hayden Panettiere has died aged 36, prompting an outpouring of tributes from the actors, musicians and friends who knew her throughout her career.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Hayden Panettiere (@haydenpanettiere)

The actress first became a household name as a teenager after starring as Claire Bennet in Heroes, before going on to appear in Nashville and the Scream franchise.

Her father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed her death in a statement to ABC News, describing his daughter as an extraordinary person who had brought happiness to countless people.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” Skip said. “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.”

Tributes began pouring in shortly after news of her death emerged, with several of Panettiere’s former co-stars and close friends sharing emotional messages online.

Melissa Barrera, who appeared alongside Panettiere in Scream VI, was among the first to pay tribute. Sharing a message on her Instagram Story, she wrote: “Rest in peace sweet Hayden,” alongside a broken heart emoji.

Bethany Joy Lenz, best known for playing Haley James Scott on One Tree Hill, remembered Panettiere as a “wild little blonde” and said she was “crushed” by her death.

Sharing a photo of Panettiere as a child on Instagram, Lenz recalled watching her run around the Screen Gem studio during filming.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Bethany Joy Lenz (@msbethanyjoylenz)

“She ran through the Screen Gem studio hallways at 222 E44th St. laughing and playing games in between blocking and camera rehearsals,” she wrote.

“Long, unruly curls trailing behind her. She knew her lines and everyone else’s. Her intelligence was astonishing. She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I’d ever seen on camera.

“And she’d sit with you for a great conversation, then giggle and go play. We’d connect on and off over the years, like the cousin in the family reunion who got famous and life moved her away—but I always felt such joy seeing her when we were lucky enough to cross paths.

“I dont understand how this is real. Everything seemed to be turning around.”

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7th Heaven actress Beverley Mitchell also reacted to the news, writing: “Praying the news is wrong! You are such a bright light and soooo loved”.

Singer JoJo shared her shock on Instagram Stories, writing: “This is such devastating news. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Oh My God.”

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Hayden Panettiere (@haydenpanettiere)

SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union Panettiere had been a member of since 1994, also released a statement mourning her death.

“We mourn the sudden passing of Hayden Panettiere. A child actor, Hayden’s long career in TV & film included memorable roles in Heroes, Nashville and more. Our hearts are with her daughter, family, friends & fans.”

Following Skip’s statement about the “unimaginable loss”, more stars who knew Panettiere personally shared their grief.

Selma Blair, who starred in Cruel Intentions, left a series of emotional comments underneath Panettiere’s final Instagram post. The post showed Panettiere smiling while cuddling up to a friend and was captioned: “Good times and good friends”.

Blair wrote: “I love you. Don’t be gone. Don’t be gone. Please. Please.”

She followed it with another message which read: “I love you whale tail my friend,” before adding: “I’m dying. Please be here”.

David Arquette, who starred alongside Panettiere in Scream 4, also shared a tribute, simply writing: “I love you Hayden.”

Randall Slavin, who was with Panettiere in the final photograph shared to her Instagram account, also reposted the image to his Instagram Story.

Alongside the picture, he wrote: “Peace be with you, H.”

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Featured image via Instagram