Mother of Hayden Panettiere Speaks on Actress's Death at 36

Lesley Vogel, the mother of actress Hayden Panettiere, has spoken publicly about her daughter's death, expressing a desire for her to be remembered for her talent and intelligence beyond her personal struggles. Panettiere, known for her roles in "Heroes," "Nashville," and "Ice Princess," died on August 16, 2026, at the age of 36. She was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina. First responders attempted resuscitation, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. In an interview with ABC News, Vogel described her reaction to the news as one of numbness. "I was numb. I was just numb," she said. "I still am not grasping this is real.