Hayden Panettiere, an actress known for her roles in popular TV series “Heroes” and “Nashville,” has died aged 36, according to media reports.

Her father confirmed the actress’ death in a statement to ABC News.

“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.

He asked that her family be given privacy while they “process this unimaginable loss.”

Details about her death were not immediately given, but news outlet TMZ said there was an “open investigation” into the cause.

Born in 1989, Panettiere became a child star and went on to have numerous roles in both film and TV.

Her credits include “Remember The Titans,” “Ice Princess,” “Scream 4” and “Scream VI.”

She wrote a memoir titled “This Is Me: A Reckoning” which was released in May.

In that book, she wrote of the pressures of being a child star and her experiences of addiction and recovery.

She had also spoken of estrangement from her mother, who managed her career as a child and later criticised her daughter’s book.

AFP