After the sudden death of US actress Hayden Panettiere following a reported overdose, her castmates from one of her most popular shows, Heroes, gathered to celebrate the life of their co-star.
Panettiere’s father announced her death on 17 August, just days before her 37th birthday, saying: “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.
She was found unresponsive in her apartment and her death was later attributed to an apparent overdose.
Panettiere played one of the youngest characters and a central role in the television series, which lasted four seasons between 2006 and 2010. She played Claire Bennet, a cheerleader who united many of the characters who sought to ‘Save the Cheerleader, Save the World’.
In honour of her life, the now much older cast gathered, with some joining virtually, which the actor who played The Haitian, Jimmy Jean-Louis, captured on his social media, captioning the post: A HEROES reunion to celebrate the life of HAYDEN was deeply emotional. There was sadness in our hearts, but also so much love, gratitude, and warmth as we remembered the beautiful moments shared and the lasting impact of a life that touched so many. Au revoir Hayden.
A HEROES reunion to celebrate the life of HAYDEN was deeply emotional. There was sadness in our hearts, but also so much love, gratitude, and warmth as we remembered the beautiful moments shared and the lasting impact of a life that touched so many. Au revoir Hayden pic.twitter.com/244I5fW70O
— Jimmy Jean-Louis (@haitianhero) August 26, 2026