Alexa PenaVega’s “heart is heavy” after the death of Hayden Panettiere, most notably because it marks the third passing of a fellow child star in 2026. The “Spy Kids” actor noted in a statement on social media that she rose to fame with and grew up alongside the likes of Panettiere, Michelle Trachtenberg and Daveigh Chase. All three actors died in their 30s between February and August.
\n\n“Hayden, Michelle, Daveigh… my heart is heavy today,” PenaVega wrote. “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. We were kids navigating something so big, and not everyone had the foundation or support they deserved.”
\n\n“Today, I’m grieving and holding their families close in my prayers and thinking of everyone still fighting battles we can’t see,” she added. “Hug your people close today.”
\n\nPenaVega, Panettiere, Trachtenberg and Chase all came of age together in Hollywood in the 2000s. PenaVega’s breakout turn in 2001’s “Spy Kids” made her a regular at Hollywood premieres, where she was often photographed with her fellow child-turned-teen stars. Chase and PenaVega walked part of Disney’s “Freaky Friday” red carpet together in 2003 (one year…
Original source: https://variety.com/