Tributes are pouring in for actress Hayden Panettiere, star of the popular U.S. television shows "Heroes" and "Nashville," who passed away on Sunday at the age of 36. The news of her death was announced by her father, Skip Panettiere, who described her as an incredible light and a force of nature.

Panettiere died in Greenville, South Carolina. Police confirmed that there were no immediate signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. The Greenville County Coroner's Office stated that emergency services attended to a female in cardiac arrest, and an autopsy subsequently showed no signs of trauma, although the official cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Viola Davis, an Oscar-winning actress who starred alongside Panettiere in the 2016 film "Custody," remembered her as an amazing talent, describing her as a gifted performer with an old, wise soul. Bethany Joy-Lenz, known for her role in "One Tree Hill," recalled Panettiere's remarkable presence on set from a young age, noting she acted like no child she had ever seen on camera.

The implications of Panettiere's passing are significant for her fans and the entertainment industry, marking the loss of a prominent figure who began her career as a child actor. Her father has requested privacy for the family as they navigate this "unimaginable loss."

Panettiere gained widespread recognition for her role as cheerleader Claire Bennet with regenerative superpowers in the science fiction drama "Heroes," which aired from 2006 to 2010. She later portrayed Juliette Barnes, an aspiring country music singer, in the musical drama "Nashville" from 2012 to 2018.

Her career began in earnest at a young age, with notable early roles including a part in the 2000 film "Remember the Titans" and the 2004 comedy "Raising Helen." She also appeared in the "Scream" film franchise in more recent years.

Writer and producer Bryan Fuller, who developed Panettiere's character for "Heroes," shared that she was "more than an actress, she was a muse." He reflected on her wisdom beyond her years and the profound impact she had on him as a writer.

The Greenville Police Department reported that officers responded to a call about an unresponsive female at 13:51 local time on Sunday. Medical assistance was provided at the scene, but the individual, identified as Panettiere, was pronounced deceased. The preliminary investigation is ongoing.