Police issue update after Hayden Panettiere found dead aged 36

'No indicated signs of foul play', police say

In a statement reported by American media, her father, Skip Panettiere said: “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.”

In a statement issued through her representative to CNN, her father has asked for privacy “as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss”.

The details surrounding the passing of the actress were not immediately available, the BBC reported.

A statement from the Greenville Police Department

The police statement read: "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."

Hayden's representative Kasey Kitchen also confirmed officials are looking into what happened. Kitchen told NBC News: "There's an investigation ongoing. We should know more tomorrow."