Greenville police wrap up the probe into Hayden Panettiere’s death after they release the final toxicology report
Officials ruled the death accidental.
The Greenville Police Department has officially concluded its investigation into the death of actor Hayden Panettiere. This announcement comes after a long process that began in August. According to the BBC, the department confirmed that the case is now closed. Officials ruled the death accidental. This conclusion follows a detailed medical examiner report.
Panettiere died at the age of 36. She was found unresponsive at a home in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16, 2026. Officers arrived at the scene around 1:50 p.m. accompanied by EMS personnel. They were responding to a report of an unresponsive female. Medical assistance was administered at the location. However, she was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Records show EMS personnel initiated advanced cardiac life support measures. These efforts were unsuccessful. Panettiere was pronounced deceased at 2:32 p.m. The coroner later confirmed the cause of death. Us Weekly reports that it was the toxic effects of several drugs including fentanyl, 4-ANPP, Alprazolam, Methocarbamol, and Quetiapine. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid. Methocarbamol is a prescription muscle relaxant. Quetiapine is an anti-psychotic medication.
The autopsy was completed on August 17
The coroner’s office stated, “At autopsy no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death.” The report at that time added that the cause and manner of death remained pending further investigation. Preliminary findings did not indicate any signs of foul play. The police noted no suspicious circumstances early on.
Panettiere’s ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were present at the apartment. This was when emergency services arrived. A police report revealed Brian provided a bag of medication. He claimed this was medication Panettiere was currently taking.
One officer noted the scene in the report. “After EMS officially declared Hayden deceased, I escorted Zach and Brian out of the apartment,” the report stated. The officer observed Zach acting very emotional. Brian did not show emotion until the death was declared.
On August 19, the police visited a property owned by the Hickersons’ grandmother for a welfare check. The department stated this call was unrelated to the death investigation. Brian Hickerson later released a statement through his lawyer, Sloan Ellis. “It is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” the lawyer said. He also noted that police confirmed there were no signs of foul play.
The Drug Enforcement Administration also took an interest in the case
Reports suggested the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was looking into the circumstances of the death. It remains unclear if the federal investigation has ended. The Greenville Police Department could not comment on the DEA activities.
The Heroes actress had been open about her personal struggles. She spoke about substance abuse in the past. She took a hiatus from acting in 2018. This was during a battle with postpartum depression and addiction. Panettiere entered treatment in 2020 and spent eight months in rehab.
She wrote about these challenges in her 2026 memoir titled ‘This Is Me: A Reckoning.’ Her final public appearance happened on May 26, 2026, at an event in West Hollywood for her book.
Panettiere’s family expressed deep sadness following her passing
Her father, Skip Panettiere, released a statement. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. 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 said.
Her mother, Lesley Vogel, also spoke about the loss. She expressed a wish that Hayden had stayed true to herself. Panettiere is survived by her daughter, Kaya. She shared Kaya with her ex, Wladimir Klitschko.
“Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief,” Klitschko stated on Instagram. “The announcement of Hayden’s tragic death saddens me deeply. She left this world far too soon. To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was,” he added.
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