Hayden Panettiere appeared to be “struggling” and “really lonely” while working on what became her final film, a former costar told People magazine after the actress’s death was confirmed on Aug. 16. Panettiere was 36.
Costar recalls a different side of the actress
Justin Chatwin, who acted opposite Panettiere in the 2026 thriller Sleepwalker, said the star “seemed different when I met her this time than when I met her in the early years.” He added that he noticed signs she was having difficulty that he suspected were unrelated to the production itself.
"I could tell she was struggling, and I was like, 'I don't think it’s this movie,'" Chatwin told People. "There's a handful of women that I've worked with that I really liked, and I really loved working with her, but I also know that she was really lonely."
Released in January, Sleepwalker centres on a woman coping with the loss of her daughter in a car accident and explores themes including domestic abuse. Chatwin said the subject matter may have resonated with Panettiere, who in her memoir wrote about an alleged abusive relationship with Brian Hickerson.
Official statements and investigation details
A representative for Panettiere confirmed her death in a statement to USA TODAY. Authorities in Greenville, South Carolina, have not released a cause of death. Greenville Police Sgt. Jonathan Bragg said the preliminary investigation showed no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. The county coroner, Mike Ellis, reported the actress had no signs of trauma that "would have contributed to the death."
Panettiere had been a familiar face on screens for two decades, winning recognition for roles on television and in film. She rose to prominence in series such as Heroes and Nashville, and she was known to horror fans for parts in the Scream franchise.
Late-career return and recent work
After stepping away from acting between 2018 and 2023, Panettiere made a public return in Scream VI in 2023 following fan calls to bring back her character Kirby Reed, who was introduced in Scream 4. She did not appear in this year’s Scream 7, but followed her 2023 comeback with roles in the thrillers Amber Alert and Sleepwalker. In an interview with E! News earlier this year, Panettiere said acting remained an important outlet for her and that she planned to continue working.
- Sleepwalker — released January 2026; Panettiere starred as a grieving mother.
- Amber Alert — 2026 thriller credit.
- Scream VI — 2023 comeback role as Kirby Reed.
| Title | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sleepwalker (2026) | Panettiere starred; subject matter includes domestic abuse and loss. |
| Amber Alert (2026) | Recent thriller credit following return to acting. |
| Scream VI (2023) | Marked her return to film after a hiatus. |
Colleagues and fans alike have reflected on her candour about personal struggles. In her memoir, Panettiere wrote about alleged abuse during a relationship with Brian Hickerson — an account that resonates with the themes of her final onscreen role.
Context and consequences
The observations from Chatwin add to a broader conversation about how actors’ off-screen lives intersect with the stories they portray. While the preliminary investigation into Panettiere’s death has not indicated foul play, the disclosure of her apparent loneliness and struggle during production invites reflection on the supports available to performers dealing with personal trauma or mental health issues.
As details remain limited and official findings have yet to be released, public reaction is likely to focus both on Panettiere’s body of work and on the industry practices that shape how vulnerable moments are handled on set and off. Her recent films, particularly those touching on violence and loss, may be revisited by critics and audiences seeking to understand the final phase of her career.
Further updates from family representatives and local authorities will shape the next chapters of reporting on the circumstances of her death and on tributes to her work.
