Drug Enforcement Administration agents searched the Los Angeles home of the late actress Hayden Panettiere on August 25 as part of an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. The search focused on finding evidence that could link the fatal oxycodone pill she took, which was allegedly laced with fentanyl, to a drug dealer.
Investigators were reportedly looking for various substances Panettiere may have been using to determine if they contained fentanyl. They also sought drug paraphernalia that could provide a clearer picture of her drug use and its sources.
According to reports, the DEA's investigation is also examining years of text conversations between Panettiere and her alleged drug dealer. Sources involved in the investigation described the messages as being “very specific about purchasing black market pills.” Law enforcement sources indicated that they believe Panettiere took the fentanyl-laced pill on the morning of her death.
Panettiere was found unresponsive in a Greenville, South Carolina, Airbnb on August 16. Her official cause of death has not yet been released. 911 audio from the scene indicated a possible overdose, and a police report stated Panettiere was taking a “bag of medication” at the time of her death. Her boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, reportedly administered CPR and Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal medication, after finding her unresponsive.
Hickerson has a history of domestic violence arrests involving Panettiere. He was recently involved in an altercation at a bar in Greenville but was released by police without charges.