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
