Spy Kids actor Alexa PenaVega reacts to recent deaths of three fellow child stars

Former child star Alexa PenaVega has reflected on growing up in the public eye after the shock death of Hayden Panettiere.

PenaVega, 37, shared a heartfelt tribute to the Nashville and Heroes star, who died this week, aged 36, remembering her alongside their contemporaries Michelle Trachtenberg and Daveigh Chase.

Trachtenberg, known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, died in February 2025, aged 39, from complications of diabetes mellitus. She had recently had a liver transplant.

Chase, who voiced Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, died in June, aged 35. A Los Angeles medical examiner’s report listed her cause of death as AIDS with other significant conditions including chronic polysubstance use.

“Hayden, Michelle, Daveigh… my heart is heavy today,” PenaVega wrote on Instagram.

She shared a simple message about the importance of strong support systems for child stars.

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Hollywood stars and friends pay tribute to Hayden Panettiere following death aged 36

“These aren’t just names from my childhood. They’re girls I grew up alongside, sharing a world that was exciting and also incredibly hard,” she said.

“We were kids navigating something so big, and not everyone had the foundation or support they deserved.”

PenaVega began acting as a young child in ’90s films such as Little Giants and Twister.

Her breakout role was as Carmen Cortez in the 2001 film Spy Kids.

“Today, I’m grieving and holding their families close in my prayers and thinking of everyone still fighting battles we can’t see,” she continued.

“Hug your people close today.”

Panettiere started her Hollywood career at the age of four.

She died after being found unresponsive inside a South Carolina home on Sunday night (Monday AEST).

Audio of the 911 emergency call, published by multiple US outlets including TMZ, revealed paramedics were called to the property over reports of an “overdose”.

An autopsy on Panettiere’s body has been completed, however an official cause of death has not been released. The investigation is ongoing.

Panettiere’s father shared a statement announcing her death.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” Alan ‘Skip’ Panettiere 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.”

He asked for privacy as the family “takes time to process this unimaginable loss.”

The National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline (1800 250 015) provides free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs, including available treatment options, and automatically directs the caller to the Alcohol and Drug Information Service in their state/territory.