Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles in Heroes, Nashville, and the Scream franchise, has died aged 36.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” Panettiere’s representative said in a statement to ABC News. “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 Independent has reached out to her representatives for comment.

Panettiere became one of the most recognisable young actors on American television after being cast as cheerleader Claire Bennet in the NBC superhero drama Heroes, which ran from 2006 to 2010. She later played country singer Juliette Barnes in Nashville, a role that earned her two Golden Globe nominations.

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