Hayden Panettiere: Selma Blair leads celebrity tributes to beloved actress who died aged 36

Emotional tributes have flowed for beloved actress Hayden Panettiere after her father announced her shock death on Monday.

The 36-year-old movie and TV star’s father Skip shared the devastating news in a statement, saying her tragic death came with “profound sadness”.

“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 told ABC News.

Fellow American actress Selma Blair, like the rest of the entertainment world, was left shocked and saddened by her unexpected death.

The Legally Blonde star took to Panettiere’s most recent Instagram post — shared on July 27 — to leave an emotional message for her friend.

“I love you. Don’t be gone. Don’t be gone. Please. Please,” she wrote.

“I love you, whale tail my friend.

“I’m dying. Please be here.”

Actress and singer Beverley Mitchell also couldn’t believe the news.

“Praying the news is wrong! You are such a bright light and soooo loved!!!!” she also wrote in the comments on Panettiere’s post.

Fans of the Heroes, Nashville and Scream star also took to social media to share touching tributes to Panettiere, who rose to fame as a teenager.

Musician Joshua Bracy said: “Us 90s babies are hurt with this one.”

Actress Keturah Maree commented: “So devastated. I remember as a kid how much you captivated my screen, from Bring It On to Ice Princess, always one of my faves. So sad to see that you’re no longer with us.”

Digital creator Jules Escobar added: “This is the most shocking news. I remember seeing one of your first roles in Remember the Titans. Loved your work in Heroes as well. Rest easy, and may god be with you, Hayden.”

Another fan wrote: “I saw Hayden speak at her book tour last month in LA with a friend, and I also got to meet her — she was very nice. My friend and I literally said to each other that she didn’t sound well and looked off … and now she’s dead.”

“I am not usually ‘omg’ when I see a celebrity pass … But this one just hits differently. May she rest in peace,” another fan said.

Actors’ union SAG-AFTRA also paid tribute.

“We mourn the sudden passing of Hayden Panettiere,” the union said in a statement.

“A child actor, Hayden’s long career in TV & film included memorable roles in Heroes, Nashville and more. Our hearts are with her daughter, family, friends & fans.”

Other fans remembered her alongside her Ice Princess costar, the late Michelle Trachtenberg.

“First Michelle Trachtenberg, now Hayden Panettiere,” one fan wrote. “I’m so sad, I can’t believe this, my ice princesses both gone.”

Horror and pop-culture convention Scaradise, held in Florida, described her as “so sweet and kind”.

“We are incredibly sad to hear about the passing of Hayden Panettiere. Hayden joined us at our February show and quickly became one of our favourite people. She was so sweet & kind. She brought joy to everyone she met. We are so grateful to have shared that time with her,” a Facebook statement read.

“Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and everyone who loved her during this incredibly difficult time.”

No cause of death or further information about Panettiere’s death has been shared.