Frankie Muniz found out like everyone else: through the news. 🕊️
Hayden Panettiere died on August 16, 2026, in Greenville, South Carolina, at the age of 36. She was found in cardiac arrest at her home, and emergency services tried unsuccessfully to revive her.
Her father, Alan Panettiere, confirmed the death in a statement, and the autopsy performed a day later found no traumatic injuries to explain it. The official cause is still pending.
A day later, Muniz wrote on Instagram: “Very sad about Hayden. I worked with her on many projects and always had an incredible time”. The two appeared together in ‘Malcolm in the Middle,’ where she played Jessica, and also in the film ‘Racing Stripes,’ where he voiced the lead zebra and she played Channing Walsh.
“I have so many incredible stories and memories with her”, he concluded. “I hope she rests in peace”. 💔