PIERMONT, NY — Hayden Panettiere’s dad was just beginning to recover from his son’s death when his daughter died on Sunday, according to neighbors in his tight-knit New York community.
Alan “Skip” Panettiere, a well-known figure in his Rockland County village, “retreated” after his son — and Hayden’s brother — Jansen, 28, died in February 2023 from an undiagnosed heart condition, an acquaintance said on Monday.
Another community member said Skip finally “seemed like he was starting to come back from it” when Hayden died at the age of 36 in a South Carolina AirBnb apartment.
Hayden, who’s struggled with opioid and alcohol addiction, reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest following a suspected overdose.
The “Nashville” and “Heroes” star had just visited her dad in New York a month ago, locals recalled on Monday.
“She would dine here and in my other restaurant,” said Vittorio Lanni, owner of Trattoria da Vittorio across the street from Skip’s Piermont apartment.
“Skip is a great customer, a great friend, a great guy. He’s someone who really supports the neighborhood. He’s a very nice man,” said Lanni.
The grieving father had confirmed his daughter’s death in a statement on Sunday night.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” he said.
“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 statement continued.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
