The death of actress Hayden Panettiere at age 36 has been officially ruled an accidental overdose, the Greenville Police Department announced Wednesday. The investigation into her passing, which occurred on August 16, has been closed.
The autopsy determined Panettiere died from the "toxic effects" of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, Alprazolam, Methocarbamol, and Quetiapine. The manner of death was officially recorded as an accident. No signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to her death.
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid, significantly stronger than heroin. Alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax, is prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders. Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant, and Quetiapine (Seroquel) is an antipsychotic medication. 4-ANPP is a chemical precursor used in the illicit manufacturing of fentanyl.
Authorities indicated that Panettiere had consumed multiple drugs purchased in Los Angeles the day before her death, before traveling to South Carolina. Insiders previously suggested that she may have fatally ingested a single oxycodone pill that was laced with fentanyl.
Panettiere was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina. Her on-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach, were present at the scene when she was pronounced dead. Hickerson's lawyer stated in August that "police confirmed there were no signs of foul play."
Hickerson and Panettiere had been linked since 2018 and had a history of domestic abuse allegations. Hickerson pleaded no contest in 2021 to two felony counts of domestic abuse stemming from an incident in 2020 and received a jail sentence and probation. Panettiere had previously spoken about her experiences in an abusive relationship, stating in her memoir that she hoped her story would empower others.
Panettiere, known for her roles as Claire Bennet on the NBC series "Heroes" and Juliette Barnes on the ABC show "Nashville," also had a career in film, appearing in "Remember the Titans," "A Bug's Life," and the "Scream" franchise.
She is survived by her daughter, Kaya, with former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko. Panettiere had previously given full custody of their daughter to Klitschko amid her struggles with postpartum depression and addiction. 