Hayden Panettiere Nearly Died In Childbirth, Battled Postpartum Depression, Said, 'I Don't Ever....'

Hayden Panettiere has died at the age of 36. The late actress battled postpartum depression after the birth of her child, Kaya.

Hayden Panettiere unexpectedly passed away on August 16, 2026. The actress was a part of multiple films and TV shows over the years. Back in 1996, she portrayed 'Lizzie Spaulding' in Guiding Light and later became well-known for her roles in Ally McBeal, Malcolm in the Middle, Heroes, and Nashville. She was also seen as 'Kirby Reed' in two films of the slasher franchise, Scream.

As of this writing, Hayden’s cause of death has not been revealed. However, certain facts related to her past are now creating headlines, including that she almost died while giving birth to her daughter, Kaya.

Hayden Panettiere reveals that she almost died while giving birth to her daughter

Back in May 2026, Hayden Panettiere spoke about a frightening experience during the birth of her daughter Kaya in 2014. She revealed that she nearly bled to death in the process. While appearing for an interview for her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, she said that she felt that she was close to dying during her C-section.

Panettiere recalled having a deeply maternal moment where she prayed for her daughter’s safety. She said she told God she just wanted to hear Kaya cry and that she would be okay with it if it meant her own life was over, noting she would have sacrificed herself in a second to save her child.

Panettiere and Kaya survived, but the actress required seven blood transfusions and developed an infection. She also said she experienced postpartum depression after Kaya was born. Hayden recalled by saying:

“I don't ever want her to feel like the postpartum depression aspect was her fault in any way. I want her to take away that it's okay to be imperfect and flawed, and you'll actually realize that you're not alone in any of your struggles and you don't have to stay quiet and be sick like I was.”

Hayden explained that the trauma from the experience still affects her. She said that she was still processing those emotions, though getting them out of her body and onto paper has helped. She further stated that she hopes readers find comfort in her story and know they aren’t alone during hard times, because that feeling of isolation is the worst. She also said she hopes people can laugh through the book too, and that she aimed for a good balance.

Hayden Panettiere’s daughter Kaya was born in 2014

Hayden Panettiere welcomed her child, Kaya, with her former partner, Wladimir Klitschko, in 2014. Hayden and Wladimir’s relationship ended in 2018. Amid personal struggles with addiction, Panettiere chose for Kaya to stay with her father in Ukraine. She thought it would be temporary while she focused on her health.

Speaking on Red Table Talk in 2022, she explained her original plan was to get better so Kaya could eventually join her. However, the plan didn’t work out. Hayden admitted carrying a lot of guilt, but also told herself she couldn’t parent well if she wasn’t well herself. Going through such a rough time, she felt stepping back was the most selfless move she could make.

Signing over custody was, in her words, the most painful decision she’s ever faced. Hayden said in an interview that while it was agonizing, she believed it was what Kaya needed. She said that it would have been helpful for her to heal and be able to show up as a good mother, even if that meant distance.

Panettiere told PEOPLE in 2024 that Kaya is multilingual. Apart from speaking in four languages, including English, Russian, Ukrainian, and German, Kaya has also been an expert in skiing.

Rest in peace, Hayden.

Also Read: Hayden Panettiere Dies At 36, 'Heroes' Star Passes Away Days Before Her B-Day, Here's What Happened