PANETTIERE’S DEATH RULED ACCIDENTAL OVERDOSE; DEA JOINED
The Hayden Panettiere death investigation now includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, ABC News reported.
Hayden Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive on August 16, 2026, in Greenville, South Carolina, and was later pronounced dead. Yahoo reported on August 18, 2026 that a “bag of medication” was found at the apartment where she died.
A police incident report reportedly said Brian Hickerson showed officers the bag and said Panettiere had been taking the medications. The report did not identify which ones.
Brian and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were reportedly at the apartment when she died. The report described Zach as “very emotional,” while Brian reportedly showed no emotion until emergency services pronounced Panettiere dead.
What happened at the apartment
Emergency services were called to a report of cardiac arrest at about 1:51 p.m. at the apartment on Easley Bridge Road, the coroner’s office said.
First responders “initiated advanced cardiac life support measures,” Greenville County officials said. Panettiere was pronounced dead at about 2:32 p.m.
A dispatch call apparently from the scene referred to a suspected overdose, Yahoo reported.
Narcan, a nasal spray used to reverse opioid overdose effects, was reportedly found at the apartment, according to TMZ.
The preliminary police investigation “has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances,” Greenville police said.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office completed an autopsy and reported no signs of trauma that contributed to her death.
What happened next
On September 22, 2026, the coroner ruled the death accidental. The cause was the toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol and quetiapine, The Columbian reported.
The ruling did not close the separate Greenville Police Department investigation. Police said on September 22, 2026 that their investigation remained active and had not been closed.
Michelle Rodriguez said young stars dying “is not normal” after Panettiere’s passing.
ABC News reported on October 16, 2026 that newly obtained 911 audio documented the emergency response. The network said it got the recording through a Freedom of Information Act request to Greenville County EMS.
The same report said the Drug Enforcement Administration had joined the investigation, citing sources familiar with it.
