Until Dawn Actress Hayden Panettiere Has Died at 36
Her father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed the news, while gamers knew her from Until Dawn and the English versions of the first two Kingdom Hearts games.
Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, has died at the age of 36.
PlayStation fans knew Panettiere for her performance as Samantha in Until Dawn, the horror game released for PS4 in 2015. She appeared alongside other high-profile performers, including Rami Malek, helping give the game its recognizable cast.
Panettiere also voiced Kairi in the English versions of the first two Kingdom Hearts games, which originally launched on PS2.
Her earlier game credits included A Bug’s Life in 1998, where she reprised the role she played in the animated film, and The Mark of Kri in 2002.
Her father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed her death in a statement to U.S. media, shared on August 17, 2026 and published by the BBC.
“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.”
The family did not disclose a cause of death.
Until Dawn was later re-released for PS5 in 2024. The game’s success also led to a movie adaptation in 2025, while a sequel with a new cast of characters is due in 2027.
Panettiere’s performances in Until Dawn and Kingdom Hearts remain part of her connection to gaming audiences.
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