Actress Hayden Panettiere was found dead on Sunday at a luxury apartment complex in Greenville, South Carolina, according to a neighbor who spoke to Page Six. The resident of Judson Mill Lofts described the hours after Panettiere, known for her roles in "Heroes" and "Nashville," was discovered.
The neighbor stated they had not seen Panettiere before the news of her death, adding, "I don’t know that she was there long, and I’m not sure she even ever left the apartment." The property managers reportedly sent messages to residents, stating that the death was not criminal and there was no cause for alarm.
"It’s still kind of jarring to hear that someone of her stature was here and then that tragically happened to her," the neighbor said. Police were reportedly on the scene from around noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday, and a coroner's vehicle was present.
The neighbor observed two men outside the apartment with police officers, describing them as appearing to be in shock with their heads down. The apartment where Panettiere died was reportedly an Airbnb rental.
Panettiere's father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed her death. "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden," he said in a statement to Page Six. "She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen."
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene after a friend called 911 at 1:51 p.m. reporting Panettiere unresponsive. According to 911 audio obtained by Page Six, the death may have been related to an apparent overdose. Paramedics attempted resuscitation but were unsuccessful. Panettiere was pronounced dead at 2:23 p.m.
The Greenville Police Department and the Greenville County Coroner’s Office are investigating. A police spokesperson confirmed that there were no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. "The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances," the spokesperson told NBC News. "An acquaintance of Ms. Panettiere placed the 911 call."
Sources told TMZ that Panettiere had recently been experiencing back pain and had flown into South Carolina from Los Angeles the day before her death with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson. Panettiere had previously spoken about her struggles with postpartum depression, substance abuse, and trauma.