Hayden Panettiere's Death Ruled Accidental Overdose

The death of actress Hayden Panettiere at age 36 has been ruled an accidental drug overdose, the Greenville Police Department confirmed Wednesday. The ruling brings the police investigation into her passing to a close.

Panettiere died on August 16 at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina. An autopsy completed by a Board Certified Forensic Pathologist found no signs of trauma that would have contributed to her death. The manner of death was ruled an accident, citing the toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, Alprazolam, Methocarbamol, and Quetiapine.

Methocarbamol is a prescription muscle relaxant, while Quetiapine (Seroquel) is an antipsychotic medication. Alprazolam, known as Xanax, is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. 4-ANPP is a chemical used in the synthesis of illegal fentanyl.

Authorities had previously believed Panettiere may have fatally consumed a single oxycodone pill that was laced with fentanyl. Insiders suggested she had taken multiple drugs obtained in Los Angeles the day before her death, before flying to South Carolina where she was found unresponsive.

First responders were dispatched to a residence in Greenville where attempts were made to resuscitate the actress before she was pronounced dead. Her on-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach, were present at the scene.

Hickerson's lawyer stated in August that police confirmed no signs of foul play and that they would refrain from further comment out of respect for Panettiere's loved ones and the ongoing investigation.

Panettiere, known for her roles as Claire Bennet in the NBC series "Heroes" and Juliette Barnes in the ABC show "Nashville," had a career that began in childhood. She also appeared in films such as "Remember the Titans," "A Bug's Life," and the "Scream" franchise. She had an 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, with her former fiancé, boxer Wladimir Klitschko.

Her passing was announced by her father, Skip Panettiere, who described her as "an incredible light and a force of nature" and asked for privacy for the family during their time of grief.