Hayden Panettiere 'was a kind and gentle person': 'Heroes' team joins Hollywood stars' tributes

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Set us as preferred Hayden Panettiere’s collaborators and Hollywood peers are paying tribute to the accomplished actor after her death at age 36.Panettiere, whose career spanned TV, film and video games and notably included series “Nashville” and “Heroes,” died Sunday, her father announced 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,” his statement said.A cause of death was not revealed but an autopsy Monday found no signs of trauma that would have been a contributing factor.The actor was found unresponsive at an apartment complex in Greenville, S.C., shortly before 2 p.m.

Eastern time after an acquaintance called 911, police said in a statement.Police did not release a cause of death but said a preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play.

Entertainment & Arts Actor Hayden Panettiere, who starred in TV dramas and movies, died Sunday, according to her family.She was 36.As news of Panettiere’s death spread, her co-stars and colleagues honored her life and career.

Panettiere was also known for her work on soaps “One Life to Live” and “Guiding Light” and films “Remember the Titans,” “Bring It On: All or Nothing” and the “Scream” franchise.In NBC’s “Heroes,” Panettiere played cheerleader Claire Bennet, who had the ability to regenerate.

In a statement Monday to The Times, “Heroes” creator and executive producer Tim Kring said Panettiere was an “extraordinary talent.”“You dream of writing for an actress like her.Although only 16 years old when we cast her, she could somehow naturally hone in on the most nuanced drama, humor and pathos of any scene she was in,” Kring said.

“But most importantly, she was a kind and gentle person who was always joy and an inspiration to work with.”“Heroes” co-s...