11 sources·
Hayden Panettiere, voice of Kingdom Hearts' Kairi, dies at 36
Actress Hayden Panettiere, known for voicing Kairi in the Kingdom Hearts series and roles in Until Dawn and TV shows like Heroes, has died at age 36.
Key points
- Panettiere voiced Kairi in the first two Kingdom Hearts games.
- Her death was confirmed by her father via ABC News on August 16, 2026.
- No cause of death has been publicly disclosed.
- She had an extensive career spanning TV, film, and video games since 1996.
- The Kingdom Hearts social media accounts paid tribute to her contributions.
11 sources
KotakuUntil Dawn And Kingdom Hearts Star Hayden Panettiere Has Died At 36↗
PC GamerKingdom Hearts and Until Dawn actress Hayden Panettiere has died at 36↗
PolygonHayden Panettiere, Star of Heroes and Kingdom Hearts, Dies at 36↗
Game InformerHayden Panettiere, Actor Of Nashville, Heroes, And Voice Of Kingdom Hearts’ Kairi, Has Passed Away↗
IGNTributes to Hayden Panettiere Pour in From Scream Co-Stars, Plus Fans of Kingdom Hearts and Until Dawn↗
GamesRadar+Kingdom Hearts pays tribute to Hayden Panettiere, who "brought warmth, heart, and an unforgettable voice" to Kairi↗
Game RantKingdom Hearts Actress Hayden Panettiere Has Died↗
The GamerHayden Panettiere, Known For Roles In Kingdom Hearts And Until Dawn, Dead At 36↗
DexertoScream and Until Dawn actress Hayden Panettiere dies aged 36↗
SiliconeraKingdom Hearts Kairi Voice Actress Hayden Panettiere Died↗
Nintendo LifeKingdom Hearts Voice Actor Hayden Panettiere Has Died At 36↗
