Actor and singer Hayden Panettiere was found in cardiac arrest just before she was pronounced dead at the scene in a South Carolina apartment, local officials revealed on Monday.
Officers and emergency personnel responded to a 911 call placed before 2 p.m. on Sunday involving the 36-year-old “Heroes” and “Nashville” star, who was found “unresponsive” inside the Greenville residence, according to a statement from the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.
First responders “initiated advanced cardiac life support measures, however, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful,” per the statement.
A preliminary investigation into Panettiere’s death did not indicate signs of “foul play or suspicious circumstances,” the Greenville police department said in a separate statement released on Monday.
First responders were apparently overheard on the 911 dispatch audio discussing a possible “overdose” at the scene, according to reports from TMZ, Page Six and People.
The official cause and manner of her death are under further investigation, the coroner’s office reported.
A representative for Panettiere’s confirmed her death to ABC News late Sunday.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” Panettiere’s father, Skip Panettiere, said in a statement. “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.”
The actor — who made a splash as a child star and took on roles in the “Scream” and “Bring It On” universes over the course of her career — had recently released a memoir in May where she opened up about her struggles with substance abuse, loss, domestic abuse and the traumatic birth of her daughter Kaya, whom she shares with her ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko.
Her death has sparked emotional tributes penned by co-stars over the years, including Viola Davis, who described Panettiere as an “amazing talent” who she wished “the world had more time.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.