Actress Hayden Panettiere died from the toxic effects of fentanyl and several other drugs, according to a toxicology report obtained by multiple media outlets. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office ruled her death accidental. Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16.
The report indicated that 4-ANPP, Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax), Methocarbamol, and Quetiapine were also found in her system and contributed to her death. The coroner’s report stated that no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to her death. The Drug Enforcement Administration notes that 4-ANPP is a controlled substance used in the illicit manufacturing of fentanyl.
Alprazolam is prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders, Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxer, and Quetiapine is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. Days after her death, the DEA joined local and state officials in the investigation, according to ABC News.
Panettiere was with her on-and-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother Zach Hickerson when she was found. Responding paramedics performed life-saving methods for an extended period before she was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a redacted police report. Panettiere had a history of a volatile relationship with Brian Hickerson, who had been arrested multiple times on suspicion of domestic violence against her since 2019. Reports indicate that the Hickerson brothers were not invited to Panettiere's memorial service held recently in Malibu, California.