What To Know
- Hayden Panettiere died at age 36.
- Her death came less than two years after her Ice Princess co-star Michelle Trachtenberg died at 39.
- Fans have expressed deep grief and nostalgia on social media, sharing tributes and memories of both actresses and their impact through the film.
Ice Princess fans are mourning Hayden Panettiere‘s death at 36, less than two years after Michelle Trachtenberg died at 39.
On Sunday, August 16, Panettiere’s rep confirmed her death in a statement to ABC News.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” they shared. “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.”
Panettiere was found dead in South Carolina, TMZ reported, and an investigation into her death is “ongoing,” her rep noted.
In the wake of the shocking news, fans of the 2005 film Ice Princess, starring Panettiere and Trachtenberg — who died in February 2025 from natural causes due to complications from diabetes mellitus — took to social media with tributes.
One TikTok user posted a compilation video of the two actresses from the movie. “Can’t believe they’re both gone,” they captioned the clip, which featured Aly & AJ‘s song “No One.”
@bewitchingamethyst Can’t believe they’re both gone #haydenpanettiere #michelletrachtenberg #iceprincess #rip #tribute ♬ No One – Aly & AJ
In the comments, one TikTok user admitted, “This is actually hitting me so much harder than expected.”
Another shared, “As a kid, I always thought they were the most gorgeous girls ever.”
Someone else wrote, “I’m doing my best to hold back the tears right now.”
A different fan declared, “Rest easy, young ladies. You deserved so much better,” alongside a heart emoji.
Yet another TikTok user commented, “I grew up with them, but Hayden especially. From Remember the Titans to Nashville. She was such a huge part of my childhood.”
Meanwhile, someone else confessed, “I need a big hug right now. The little girl in me is heartbroken. The woman in me can’t wrap my heart around the fact that they are BOTH gone….”
Ice Princess was released in 2005. It starred Trachtenberg as Casey Carlyle, a high school student who takes up figure skating. Joan Cusack played her mother, and Kim Cattrall played her coach. Meanwhile, Panettiere played Gen, the coach’s daughter, who went from mean girl to one of Casey’s biggest supporters. Trevor Blumas also played Teddy, Gen’s brother and Casey’s love interest.
The film’s logline reads, “With the help of her coach, her mom, and the boy who drives the Zamboni machine, nothing can stop Casey from realizing her dream to be a champion figure skater.”
Ice Princess, streaming on Disney+