Hayden Panettiere Death Ruled Accidental as Police Probe Ends

Greenville Police Conclude Investigation After Death of Hayden Panettiere

The death of US actress Hayden Panettiere has been officially ruled accidental, bringing a local police probe in South Carolina to a close, authorities announced. The 36-year-old Heroes and Nashville star died on August 16 after being found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, according to reporting by bbc.com. Toxicology reports later confirmed that the actress succumbed to the toxic effects of fentanyl, Xanax, and several other drugs.

“Based on the Medical Examiner’s determination and the findings of the investigation, Hayden Panettiere’s death has been ruled accidental,” the Greenville Police Department stated. The conclusion of the local inquiry comes as federal authorities have also examined the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. While the Greenville Police Department wrapped up its local file, the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) reportedly joined the probe, though it remains unclear whether the federal agency has concluded its own investigation, bbc.com reported.

Toxicology Findings and Coroner Report Details

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office released findings last month detailing the precise substances present in Panettiere’s system at the time of her death. Toxicology tests revealed the presence of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, alongside alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax), methocarbamol as a prescription muscle relaxant, quetiapine as an anti-psychotic medication, and 4-ANPP, Fox News reported. Emergency responders arrived at the scene following a 911 call reporting a cardiac arrest at 701 Easley Bridge Road, where resuscitation efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful.

Panettiere had previously spoken openly about her personal struggles with substance abuse. Autopsy results released by the coroner’s office confirmed there were “no signs of trauma” contributing to her death. At the time emergency services arrived at the apartment, the actress was accompanied by her on-and-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach Hickerson, according to local police reports cited by Fox News.

Family and Survivor Context

Following the tragedy, Klitschko vowed to keep the actress’s memory alive for their daughter, Fox News noted.