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Hollywood is in mourning following the death of Hayden Panettiere, who passed away at 36. The American actress appeared in numerous series and films, including Ice Princess, where she starred alongside Michelle Trachtenberg, who died in 2025 at the age of 39.
Following the news, thousands of fans have taken to social media to remember their scenes as Casey Carlyle and Jennifer “Jen” Harwood, lamenting that both stars of the film passed away at such a young age.
Below, we tell you what Ice Princess is about, where to watch it, and what is known about the deaths of Hayden Panettiere and Michelle Trachtenberg.
What is Ice Princess about and where can you watch it?
Released in 2005, Ice Princess follows the story of Casey Carlyle (Michelle Trachtenberg), a brilliant student who dreams of becoming a figure skating champion.
Although her mother (Joan Cusack) wants her to attend a prestigious university, Casey discovers she can apply her knowledge of physics to perfect her technique on the ice and pursue her true passion.
The film is available on Disney+.
Who was Jen Harwood, the character played by Hayden Panettiere?
In Ice Princess, Hayden Panettiere played Jennifer “Jen” Harwood, a talented junior skater whose technique improves thanks to Casey’s help and her knowledge of physics.
Throughout the story, the two go from being rivals to developing a friendship both on and off the rink.
What did Hayden Panettiere die of?
To date, the official cause of Hayden Panettiere's death has not been released.
It is known that a friend called 911 around 1:50 p.m. on Sunday to report that the actress was unresponsive. According to the audio of the call, released by TMZ and cited by Deadline, paramedics mentioned a possible “overdose” and “cardiac arrest.”
Despite attempts to resuscitate her using advanced cardiac life support, Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene. For now, police have ruled out foul play.
What did Michelle Trachtenberg die of?
Michelle Trachtenberg, the star of Ice Princess and Hayden Panettiere’s co-star, passed away on February 26, 2025, at the age of 39.
The actress, also known for Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died from complications related to diabetes mellitus.
According to ABC News, it was her mother who found her unconscious in her Manhattan apartment. Before her passing, Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant.
Fans remember Ice Princess after the death of Hayden Panettiere
On X, hundreds of users fondly recalled the performances of both actresses and the impact Ice Princess had on their childhoods.
Many claimed the film sparked their love for figure skating, while others confessed they were shocked to learn that Michelle Trachtenberg had also passed away.
Some of the most shared messages were:
- “Que descansen en paz estas princesas del hielo, Michelle y Hayden, para siempre.”
- “Ice Princess marcó toda mi infancia, y ahora sus dos protagonistas ya no están con nosotros.”
- “Siempre serán nuestras princesas del hielo. Descansen en paz.”
- “Gracias a ellas me enamoré del patinaje artístico.”
- "No sabía que Michelle había fallecido, estoy más triste ahora".
- "Me niego a volver a ver esta película que me acompaño en toda mi infancia, me impulsaba a luchar como lo hicieron, pero saber que ya no existen me rompe en mil pedazos".
[Publicidad]