Actress Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, has died at the age of 36, according to US media.

Her father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed her death in a statement to ABC News saying, “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.”

The family has requested privacy. Details surrounding the circumstances of her death were not immediately released.

Panettiere began her career as a child actress and went on to become a familiar face in television and film. She gained international recognition as Claire Bennet on the hit NBC series Heroes and later starred as Juliette Barnes in the musical drama series Nashville.

She is also known for her roles in Remember the Titans, Raising Helen, Ice Princess, Bring It On: All or Nothing, and Scream 4.

Panettiere’s death comes just days before her 37th birthday, which she would have celebrated on Friday.