According to media sources, Hayden Panettiere, an actress best known for her parts in the hit TV shows "Heroes" and "Nashville," passed away at the age of 36.

In a statement to ABC News, her father verified the actress's passing.

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

He requested privacy for her family as they "process this unimaginable loss."

Although the reason of her death was not immediately disclosed, news source TMZ stated that a "open investigation" was underway.

Panettiere, who was born in 1989, rose to fame as a child and went on to play a number of roles in TV shows and films.

"Remember The Titans," "Ice Princess," "Scream 4," and "Scream VI" are among her credits.

"This Is Me: A Reckoning," her book, was published in May.

She discussed her experiences with addiction and recovery as well as the demands of being a child star in that book.

She had also talked about being estranged from her mother, who oversaw her childhood career and subsequently disapproved of her daughter's book.

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