Connie Britton is remembering her former "Nashville" co-star Hayden Panettiere following her death.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Britton shared a series of photos of the two, including one with country music icon Reba McEntire. "This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright," she wrote on Aug. 17. "I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak."
Britton and Panettiere starred together on "Nashville" from 2012 to 2018, playing country music stars Rayna Jaymes and Juliette Barnes.
"I love you girl," she added. "Sleep easy now."
Officials in Greenville, South Carolina, where Panettiere was at the time of her death, said the actor died on Aug. 16 of cardiac arrest.
She was found unresponsive at an apartment complex located at Judson
Mill Lofts, 701 Easley Bridge Road. The Greenville County Coroner's Office said a 911 call reporting a cardiac arrest brought first responders and EMS personnel to the residence.
When EMS personnel arrived, they found Panettiere unresponsive and attempted to resuscitate her, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
She was pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m.
What happened to Hayden Panettiere? What to know about cause of death
According to Greenville Police, officers and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an unresponsive woman at about 1:51 p.m. Aug. 16. Upon arrival, personnel administered medical assistance, but the woman, later identified as Panettiere, was pronounced dead.
The preliminary investigation did not indicate any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. Police stated that an acquaintance of Panettiere's placed the 911 call.
Panettiere did not have any visible injuries or trauma, Greenville County Coroner Mike Ellis told Greenville News.
Why was Hayden Panettiere in Greenville, South Carolina?
According to Greenville Online, Panettiere had been temporarily staying in the residence.
What else did Hayden Panettiere star in?
Over a career spanning more than three decades, Panettiere rose from child actress to one of television's most recognizable stars.
After shooting to stardom as Claire Bennet on NBC's "Heroes," she earned critical acclaim for her portrayal of country music star Juliette Barnes on the musical drama "Nashville," a role that garnered two Golden Globe nominations.
Panettiere began acting before her first birthday, appearing in television commercials before landing roles on the soap operas "One Life to Live" and "Guiding Light." She also voiced Dot in Pixar's 1998 animated film "A Bug's Life."
Her film credits included "Remember the Titans," "Raising Helen," "Ice Princess" and "I Love You, Beth Cooper." She also became a fan favorite in the "Scream" franchise, playing Kirby Reed in "Scream 4" and reprising the role in "Scream VI."
Contributing: Greenville Online
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Connie Britton remembers Hayden Panettiere: 'I love you girl. Sleep easy now'
