Hayden Panettiere Death Ruled Accidental Overdose of Multiple Drugs

Actress Hayden Panettiere died from the accidental overdose of multiple substances, including fentanyl, according to details from the Greenville County Medical Examiner's report.

Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive on August 16 at an Airbnb residence in Greenville, South Carolina. Her on-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach, were present at the scene. The report details that Panettiere was discovered face down on a sofa bed, having turned "deep purple" as the brothers attempted to rouse her. A senior deputy coroner responded to the residence after being alerted to an unresponsive female.

Investigators found blue pressed pills that tested positive for fentanyl, along with a straw, on a table near Panettiere. White powder was also discovered in a sunglasses case within her suitcase. Brian Hickerson administered two doses of Narcan before calling 911.

According to the report, one of the brothers stated he was uncertain if Panettiere had consumed illicit drugs in the previous two days, noting her ability to conceal her use. Panettiere's father, Skip, informed investigators that the actress had plans to celebrate her 37th birthday in Greenville before traveling to Ukraine to visit her daughter.

The official cause of death was ruled as "toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, Alprazolam, Methocarbamol, and Quetiapine," with the manner of death determined to be accidental. The report indicated no signs of trauma contributing to her death. Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant, Quetiapine is an antipsychotic, and Alprazolam is used for anxiety. 4-ANPP is a precursor chemical for fentanyl.

Earlier reports had suggested Panettiere may have died from a single oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl. Authorities had indicated she had taken multiple drugs purchased in Los Angeles the day before her death. Panettiere's representative had previously stated that the death remained under investigation pending toxicology results and cautioned against unverified reports.

Panettiere, known for her roles as Claire Bennet in the NBC series "Heroes" and Juliette Barnes in the ABC drama "Nashville," had an 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, with former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko. In 2018, she relinquished full custody of their daughter to Klitschko amid her struggles with postpartum depression and addiction, with their daughter subsequently moving to Ukraine.