The Greenville Police Department announced on Wednesday that the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, 36, has been ruled accidental by the South Carolina Medical Examiner. The ruling concludes an investigation into her death, which occurred on August 16 at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina.
Panettiere was found unresponsive at the residence and pronounced dead despite the administration of advanced cardiac life support measures, according to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office. Emergency responders were called to the scene after a 911 call was placed by Brian Hickerson, Panettiere’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, and his brother Zach Hickerson, who were present at the time of her death.
The investigation, which included the involvement of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), did not indicate any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances, police previously stated. The Medical Examiner’s determination confirmed that Panettiere’s death resulted from an accidental drug overdose, with fentanyl identified as a contributing factor.
Key details from the investigation:
- Panettiere was staying in Greenville at the time of her death.
- No evidence of trauma was found, per the coroner’s office.
- The investigation was closed based on the Medical Examiner’s findings and investigative conclusions.
The Greenville Police Department confirmed that all inquiries related to the circumstances of Panettiere’s death have been concluded, and no further updates are expected.