Hilary Duff pays heartfelt tribute to 'sweet' Hayden Panettiere after her tragic death

Hilary Duff is remembering "sweet" Hayden Panettiere two days after her tragic death.

On Tuesday, the former Disney star took to her Instagram to pay an emotional tribute to the late actress.

“Sweet Hayden. Really tough hearing this news,” Hilary penned. “We lost touch through the years but I will always remember you as so hardworking and effervescent, with that big, gorgeous smile.”

She further penned, “I remember staying up late, chatting and gossiping, and connecting because we were part of such a small sliver of people who actually understood the strange lot in life we were navigating.. so young, with no real idea how to make sense of any of it."

“I so deeply wish this wasn’t the end for you. Sending a heart full of love to your family, the many people you impacted and everyone who loved you,” Hilary concluded. “Rest easy.”

Although Hilary and Hayden never worked together on any project, they were seen together at events numerous times over the years.

It is pertinent to mention here that Hayden was found dead in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden," Hayden's dad, Skip Panettiere, said in a statement to ABC News.

"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 continued.

The actress' father added, “We ask for privacy as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss.”