Spy Kids star Alexa PenaVega reacts to death of fellow former child star Hayden Panettiere
Former child star Alexa PenaVega reflects on the challenges of growing up in the public eye following the death of Hayden Panettiere. She highlights the lack of support systems for young actors and pays tribute to other contemporaries who have recently passed away.
Why it matters
The article sheds light on the mental health struggles and systemic lack of support for child performers in the entertainment industry.
Share article 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 .
Spy Kids star Alexa PenaVega has remembered three of her fellow child stars after their deaths. Getty
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.
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