Panettiere’s long-time friend and One Tree Hill star Bethany Joy-Lenz, who had known her since she was a child actress, said she was “crushed” by her death.
Sharing photos of them together online, external, she wrote: “I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen. She ran through the Screen Gem studio hallways at 222 E44th St. laughing and playing games in between blocking and camera rehearsals.
“Long, unruly curls trailing behind her. She knew her lines and everyone else’s. Her intelligence was astonishing. She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I’d ever seen on camera. And she’d sit with you for a great conversation, then giggle and go play.”
She added: “It’s too young and there’s still so much more life. And her daughter…. Hayden, you are surround by love. I’m sorry for every moment I didn’t reach out or check in. This can’t be real.”
Cruel Intentions actress Selma Blair paid tribute on social media, saying: “I love you. Don’t be gone. Please.”
Singer Jojo described it as “devastating news”. On her Instagram story she wrote: “I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Oh My God.”
Actors’ union Sag-Aftra, of which Panettiere was a longstanding member, said “our hearts are with her daughter, family, friends & fans”.
