Hayden Panettiere's Death Investigation Ongoing, Fentanyl Reports Unverified, Rep Says
A representative for the late actress states that toxicology results are pending, urging patience amid circulating unconfirmed reports.
The investigation into the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, 36, is still ongoing as toxicology results are pending, according to a representative. The statement comes amid reports that fentanyl played a role in her passing.
Panettiere died on August 16 at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina. Authorities initially described the death as a suspected drug overdose, prompting an investigation. Reports have surfaced suggesting that Panettiere consumed an oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl, a claim her representative has called unverified hearsay.
"As reported yesterday by the Greenville County Coroner's Office, Hayden's death remains under investigation pending the completion of toxicology results, despite reports from some outlets stating otherwise," the representative stated. "Recent reports attributed to unnamed sources are unverified hearsay and have attributed to conflicting information that continues to circulate."
The representative urged patience, adding, "While we are all eager to find closure and better understand the circumstances surrounding her passing, we must remain patient and allow the investigative process to unfold. The answers we are all seeking will come."
Earlier in September, sources told TMZ that DEA agents searched Panettiere's Los Angeles residence on August 25. The search was reportedly an effort to find evidence regarding the source from which Panettiere obtained the narcotics that led to her death.
Sources also indicated to TMZ that Panettiere had consumed a single pill on the day she died, which officials suspect was oxycodone containing fentanyl. The outlet reported that Panettiere had a "long time drug dealer" in Los Angeles from whom she illegally obtained narcotics, including oxycodone.
Authorities stated that on the day before her death, Panettiere had taken multiple drugs acquired in Los Angeles before flying to South Carolina, where she was discovered deceased the following day. First responders arrived at a Greenville condo and attempted resuscitation before she was pronounced dead.
Panettiere's on-again, off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother Zach Hickerson were present at the residence. According to an official report, Brian Hickerson provided authorities with a "bag of medication" belonging to Panettiere.
Sloan Ellis, Hickerson's lawyer, previously stated on August 20 that "Hayden's death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed. As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play. Out of respect for Hayden's loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time."
Separately, Zach Hickerson was arrested in connection with disorderly conduct at a Greenville establishment following an incident where he and his brother were reportedly heckled about Panettiere's death. An eyewitness told TMZ that tensions escalated after the remarks. Zach Hickerson later told TMZ that public misconceptions about Panettiere's death fueled the incident and expressed frustration over the spread of rumors.