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Three former female child actors of the same generation died within twelve months: Hayden Panettiere at 36 on August 16, Michelle Trachtenberg at 39 in February 2025, and Daveigh Chase at 35 in June.
Melissa Gilbert, 62, cited that count in a Substack post demanding systemic change for child performers. Trachtenberg's death was attributed to complications from diabetes mellitus.
Chase's cause was listed as AIDS by the Los Angeles Medical Examiner's office. Panettiere, known for "Heroes" and "Nashville," died in Greenville, South Carolina.
Preliminary autopsy results found no signs of trauma contributing to her death, and the Drug Enforcement Administration is assisting the investigation.
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