Culture
18 Aug 26

Tributes paid to Hayden Panettiere as coroner reports “no signs of trauma”

Hayden Panettiere

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office said crews treated a woman in “cardiac arrest” and her autopsy showed “no signs of trauma.”

Tributes have been paid to Hayden Panettiere, aged 36, who died Sunday, August 16 in Greenville, South Carolina.

Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis described the Nashville star as an “amazing talent,” while co-star Connie Britton said she “has no words.”

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office said crews treated a woman in “cardiac arrest” and the autopsy showed “no signs of trauma.” Toxicology reports are pending and could take up to 12 weeks.

Police said there were not “any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.”

“What an amazing talent you were … so gifted,” wrote Davis on social media. “I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming. I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes.”

“Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy,” she continued. “You will be remembered. Rest well, Hayden. Sending healing prayers to your family, your daughter and all who loved you. May they always speak your name.”

Davis and her husband, Julius Tennon, starred with Panettiere in the 2016 courtroom drama, Custody.

Sharing a photo of herself with Panettiere, Britton wrote on social media:

“This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright. I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak. I love you girl. Sleep easy now.”

Grammy-winning singer Rhiannon Giddens also paid her respects.

“I got to be your angel once upon a time,” Giddens wrote on social media, alongside a photo of the pair in an episode of Nashville where Panettiere’s character survives a plane crash.

Other tributes have poured out from the likes of Melissa Barrera, Bethany Joy Lenz, Selma Blair and more.