Hayden Panettiere’s friend shares heartbreaking final text she sent him in emotional tribute

Tributes are pouring in from around the world for actress Hayden Panettiere, who has died at the age of 36.

One such touching message came from musician and friend Clayton Johnson, who took to Instagram to share a video of the pair singing together as he played the guitar, laughing as they went.

Writing in the video's caption, Johnson revealed the last ever text message Panettiere sent him.

He said: "It’s been a couple of weeks since our last phone call, but the last thing you ever texted me was, ‘Honestly, people think it’s a joke to ask for world peace, but that would be me.’

"That was you in a nutshell."

Johnson went on to say how thankful he was that he knew Panettiere, and hoped she was now with her younger brother, Jansen, who died in 2023 aged 28 from an enlarged heart.

"Sweet Hayden. I spent last night trying to process, to try to find the right words, but there really aren’t any," the statement continued.

"More than anything, I hope you’re at peace now and reunited with Jansen.

"I’m grateful I got to know you, and I’ll always be grateful for the memories.

"Fly high, Hayden."

Child acting star Panettiere was found 'unresponsive' by police in Greenville, North Carolina, on 16 August after an 'acquaintance' called 911, according to NBC News, but emergency services were unable to save her.

Her representatives announced her 'tragic passing' at the age of 36 as they said the Racing Stripes star's family would remember her as an 'incredible light'.

An autopsy was completed on 17 August, which found 'no signs of trauma' but the cause of her death remains pending further investigation.

"At autopsy, no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death," coroner Mike Ellis said in a statement, per PEOPLE. "The cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies.

"This investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details are available for release at this time."

The statement also added details from first responders after a 911 call was answered at roughly 1:51pm local time in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday.

It said: "First responders and Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene and located a female in cardiac arrest. EMS personnel initiated advanced cardiac life support measures; however, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and the individual was pronounced deceased at 2:32 PM."

Shared on behalf of her father, Alan Panettiere, the statement announcing her death read: "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 Greenville Police Department also said in a statement: "[Officers] accompanied by EMS personnel, responded to a report of an unresponsive female at around 1:50 p.m. Sunday.

"Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered; however, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

"The case is under investigation by the Greenville Police Department in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner's Office. The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An acquaintance of Ms. Panettiere placed the 911 call."

Panettiere, who starred in TV shows Heroes and Nashville, leaves behind an 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, who she shared with former fiancé and boxer Wladimir Klitschko.

Stars share tributes to Hayden Panettiere

Viola Davis

Davis, who starred alongside Panettiere in the likes of The Architect (2006) and Custody (2016), penned: “What an amazing talent you were....so gifted. Julius and I loved working with you....an old, wise soul with such a deep heart. I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming.

“I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes. Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy. You will be remembered. Rest well, Hayden.

“Sending healing prayers to your family, your daughter, and all who loved you. May they always speak your name....”

Bethany Joy Lenz

In an emotional tribute, Panettiere’s Guiding Light co-star Joy Lenz wrote: “There is nothing that posting pictures on the internet can do. I avoid it usually in moments like this. But Im here with my head in my hands and I don’t know what else to do in aside from praying for her soul, which I have done and will continue.”

Admitting she's 'crushed', the actress continued: “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 Guiding Light 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.

“We’d connect on and off over the years, like the cousin in the family reunion who got famous and life moved her away—but I always felt such joy seeing her when we were lucky enough to cross paths. We’d make a pact to talk soon. Lunch. Dinner. Somewhere we could curl up into a corner—but we never quite made it happen. I mostly stayed up to date through mutual friends.

“I dont understand how this is real. Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming BACK to life, wasn’t she? 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.”

Joy Lenz concluded: “These are moments of how I knew you, in glimpses over 26 years. I don’t know how to process this. I am praying for you to know the peace of God now and always.”

Selma Blair

Commenting underneath Panettiere’s final Instagram post, Blair said: “I love you. Don't be gone. Please.”

Emma Roberts

Paying tribute to her Scream 4 (2011) co-star, Roberts penned: “Rest in peace my sweet friend. you are so loved and you will be forever missed.”

Kim Cattrall

“Rest in peace sweet Hayden,” Cattrall, who starred as Panettiere’s onscreen mum in Ice Princess (2005), shared. “Gone far too soon.”

Masi Oka

In a heartfelt message to his Heroes co-star, Oka wrote on X: “Absolutely heartbroken to hear about Hayden. I had the privilege of working closely with her, and I’ll always remember her for her beautiful spirit, immense talent, and the joyful energy she brought to everything she did and the people around her. She was way wiser beyond her years and now gone too soon…

“My heart goes out to her family and everyone who loved her. Rest in peace, Hayden.”

Jenna Ortega

Taking to her Instagram Story, Ortega - who worked with Panettiere on Scream VI (2023) - said: “This is such a devastating loss. Rest well.”

Melissa Barrera

Fellow Scream VI star Barrera also paid tribute, saying: “Rest in peace sweet Hayden,” along with a broken heart emoji.

Jay Shetty

Shetty, who welcomed Panettiere on his On Purpose podcast just months ago, commented: “I can’t believe it. Our friendship had just begun and I was so moved by the conversation we shared earlier this year.

"My love and condolences to her family and fans.”