Greenville Police Conclude Investigation After Hayden Panettiere Overdose Death
The Greenville Police Department officially closed its investigation into the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, announcing Wednesday that the case is settled following the medical examiner’s final determination of an accidental drug overdose. Panettiere, 36, died on August 16 at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, according to reports from CBS News, Page Six, CNN, and Fox News.
Authorities confirmed that the investigation concluded based on the coroner’s findings and the department’s own review. Last month, the Greenville County Coroner’s Office stated that Panettiere died from the toxic effects of fentanyl, alongside 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol, and quetiapine. An autopsy revealed no signs of trauma that contributed to her death.
Emergency Response and the 911 Call
Emergency responders arrived at the Greenville apartment on the afternoon of August 16 following a 911 call placed by Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach, as reported by CBS News and Page Six. Zach Hickerson discovered the actress unresponsive on a sofa bed while Brian was in another room, according to a coroner’s report obtained by Page Six and CNN. Zach administered two doses of Narcan, an opioid reversal medication, before he and his brother began performing CPR and called emergency services.
Paramedics initiated advanced cardiac life support measures upon arrival, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:32 p.m., according to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office records cited by Fox News. A police report noted that Zach Hickerson appeared emotional while paramedics worked, while Brian Hickerson became emotional after the actress was pronounced dead.
Police investigate potential illicit drugs found in apartment
While the coroner ruled the death accidental in September, the police investigation remained active as authorities examined whether Panettiere had obtained illicit and potentially counterfeit drugs from a dealer in Southern California, CNN reported. Investigators discovered suspected drugs, prescription medications, and drug paraphernalia inside the apartment, according to records obtained by Page Six.
Panettiere had a decades-long acting career spanning roles in television shows like “Heroes” and “Nashville,” as well as films including “Remember the Titans” and “Scream 4.” She had publicly discussed her struggles with early fame, mental health, and addiction, and this year addressed those challenges in a memoir. She is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with her former fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Case
What specific drugs were found in the toxicology report?
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office determined that Panettiere died from a toxic mix of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol, and quetiapine, according to Page Six and Fox News.
Who called emergency services on August 16?
Brian Hickerson and his brother Zach made the 911 call from the Greenville, South Carolina apartment where Panettiere had been staying, as detailed in police and coroner reports obtained by CBS News and CNN.
Did investigators find any signs of foul play?
The Greenville Police Department stated that the preliminary and final findings of the investigation indicated no signs of trauma, foul play, or suspicious circumstances surrounding the actress’s death.
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