Hayden Panettiere, the actress known for her role in Heroes, died at age 36 after suffering a cardiac arrest at a South Carolina residence on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Emergency responders initiated advanced cardiac life support measures, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, according to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.
Key developments in the case:
- The coroner’s autopsy found no evidence of trauma in Panettiere’s death, though the official cause remains under investigation.
- Narcan (naloxone), a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, was found at the scene, along with an administration device. Epinephrine was also administered during emergency efforts.
The Greenville Police Department confirmed that Panettiere’s on-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother were present at the residence when she suffered the cardiac arrest. According to a police report, Hickerson’s brother was described as “very emotional” at the scene, while Hickerson showed no visible emotion until emergency responders declared Panettiere deceased. Hickerson then provided police with a bag of medication that Panettiere had been taking.
Emergency Response and Initial Reports
Emergency dispatch audio obtained by media outlets included references to a possible overdose and cardiac arrest, though officials have not confirmed that an overdose caused her death. A neighbor reported hearing “a bunch of commotion in the hallway” as crews responded, initially hearing references to a collapse and later cardiac arrest.
Paramedics arrived to find Panettiere unresponsive, with multiple EMS and firefighters performing CPR. The 911 call was described by a dispatcher as a cardiac arrest, though a subsequent reference to a suspected overdose was noted in the audio.
Background and Family Statement
Panettiere’s family announced her death through a representative, with her father, Alan “Skip” Panettiere, describing her as “an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy.” The family requested privacy.
Her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, published in May 2025, addressed her struggles with addiction, postpartum depression, and trauma. Panettiere had previously spoken publicly about her battles with alcohol and opioid addiction, as well as her decision to relinquish custody of her daughter while addressing substance abuse issues. She is survived by her daughter, Kaya, born in 2014.
Relationship and Legal History
Panettiere and Hickerson began dating in 2018, with their relationship marked by multiple separations. Hickerson has faced multiple domestic violence arrests during their on-off relationship. The police report noted no signs of forced entry or apparent struggle at the residence, and no evidence of foul play has been reported.
The coroner’s office has stated that toxicology results are pending and that the investigation remains active. No further details about the medications found at the scene have been released.