Hayden Panettiere died suddenly at the age of 36 in Greenville, South Carolina, according to local authorities who confirmed that no third-party involvement was suspected in her death. The investigation into the August 16 incident remains active, while family members urge the public to disregard unverified online speculation.
Police Investigation and Initial Response Details
According to local police reports obtained by PEOPLE, officers responded to a rental home on Sunday, August 16, secured via Airbnb. Zach Hickerson, the brother of Panettiere’s on-and-off partner Brian Hickerson, told TMZ that he went to check on the couple after failing to reach them by phone.
Zach Hickerson stated that after arriving at the property, he knocked loudly on the door, which awakened Brian Hickerson. They found Panettiere unresponsive on a pull-out sofa in the living room. Zach Hickerson immediately dialed 911 while Brian Hickerson administered Narcan, an emergency medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.
Family Statements and Calls to End Public Speculation
Speaking to TMZ on August 21, Zach Hickerson urged observers to wait for official findings from law enforcement before drawing conclusions. “There are a lot of assumptions, speculations, and accusations floating around right now,” Zach stated, adding that the truth will emerge once authorities conclude their investigation.
Zach Hickerson described his relationship with the late actress, noting he had cared for her over the past eight years and calling her one of his closest friends. According to a police report obtained by PEOPLE, Brian Hickerson showed responding officers a bag containing medications that the actress had been taking.
Medical History and Emergency Response Measures
Panettiere had previously spoken openly about her struggles with addiction. On August 17, a source confirmed to PEOPLE that Narcan was recovered at the scene. First responders arrived following the 911 call placed by Zach Hickerson, and emergency personnel performed life-saving measures at the residence.
“We started CPR together while the 911 dispatcher was on speakerphone,” Zach Hickerson recounted to TMZ regarding the immediate aftermath. “We did that until the fire department and emergency medical services arrived.”
Did you know?
Narcan is a medication used to rapidly reverse life-threatening effects of opioid overdoses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the incident occur?
The event took place at a rental home in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday, August 16, according to police and family statements provided to media outlets.
What did law enforcement find at the scene?
According to a police report obtained by PEOPLE, officers were shown a bag of medications that the actress had been taking. Sources also confirmed to PEOPLE that Narcan was found at the location.
Have official causes of death been released?
As of statements released by family members, authorities are continuing their investigation, and the public has been asked to await official findings from law enforcement.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or addiction, support is available. In the United States, you can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
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