WWE star Jacob Fatu causes controversy with post about Hayden Panettiere following tragic death

WWE star Jacob Fatu is the latest to respond to Hayden Panettiere's death, with his comments causing controversy online.

Panettiere, a celebrated American actress and singer, was found unresponsive at an apartment complex where she had been temporarily staying on Sunday (August 16).

Greenville Police in South California said there were no "signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances", while the Greenville County Coroner's Office said crews treated a woman in "cardiac arrest" and her autopsy showed "no signs of trauma".

At the time of writing, no official cause of death has been given, and tributes for the award-winning actress flooded in, with former partner Wladimir Klitschko expressing his "profound shock" at the news.

"Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief," Klitschko said in a statement.

"The announcement of Hayden’s tragic death saddens me deeply. She left this world far too soon. Hayden was, although no longer my partner, an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya.

"She built an incredible career through immense talent, while also facing the darker sides of a very demanding industry. Nothing will erase the times we shared or the place she had in our lives.

"To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was.

"I extend my deepest condolences to Hayden’s parents, her friends, and her fans, who are also grieving today. Young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon.

"I ask everyone to please respect our family’s feelings and privacy during this incredibly difficult time. For now, this is all I wish to say.

"Thank you to everyone who is supporting my family and expressing their sincere condolences.

"Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace."

While the former heavyweight champion shared a lovely tribute to the 36-year-old's life, WWE star Jacob Fatu raised eyebrows with his reaction.

After TMZ posted about Panettiere's passing, Fatu shared a cryptic seven-word response: "THE TRUTH WILL COME TO THE LIGHT!!"

It's unclear exactly what Fatu meant with the post, but the heavyweight champion in Major League Wrestling (MLW) was on the receiving end of backlash as many aimed their disapproval at the 34-year-old.

"Jacob, let WWE social team run ur accounts, you're gonna have some cocktails and say something stupid, and wind up in AEW," one person wrote.

"Like you, but this is totally uncalled for and not your business. A young woman has died; have more respect," another said.

Others, meanwhile, speculated that Fatu's post was a reference to a quote from the bible.

"For people confused, it's a phrase from the bible and we all know that Jacob is a man of faith," someone stated, while another agreed: "Yes it most certainly will. "For there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light..." Luke 12:2-3."

Panettiere's life will be remembered fondly, including her success in acting after starring in TV shows such as Heroes and Nashville. She also played as Sheryl Yoast in the 2000 Denzel Washington-led film Remember the Titans.