Hayden Panettiere’s cause of death has been officially determined, a month after the actress died at the age of 36.
Panettiere was found at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16. At the time, authorities suspected that her death may have been linked to a drug overdose.
Her on-and-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach, were reportedly at the property when Panettiere was pronounced dead.
A spokesperson for the Greenville County Coroner’s Office has now confirmed to The Daily Mail that Panettiere died from the “toxic effects” of several drugs, including fentanyl. Her death was ruled accidental.
Fentanyl is an extremely potent opioid, estimated to be 50 times stronger than heroin, and even a few grains can result in a fatal overdose.
The coroner’s office spokesperson said, “An autopsy was completed by a Board Certified Forensic Pathologist. At autopsy no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death.
Hayden Panettiere’s cause of death has been officially confirmed, one month after the star died aged 36. Pictured in 2022 in LA
Panettiere died August 16 at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, in what authorities initially suspected was a drug “overdose.” Pictured in LA in 2022
“The cause of death has been ruled as toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, Alprazolam, Methocarbamol, and Quetiapine. The manner of death has been ruled accident.
“This case is administratively closed by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.”
The confirmation comes after TMZ reported last week that investigators believed Panettiere had accidentally taken a single oxycodone pill contaminated with fentanyl.
Sources told the outlet that Panettiere had a “long time drug dealer” in Los Angeles, from whom she illegally obtained narcotics including oxycodone.
Authorities also said Panettiere had taken several drugs purchased in Los Angeles the day before her death, before traveling to South Carolina. She was found dead the following day.
Earlier this month, Panettiere’s representative said, “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.
“Recent reports attributed to unnamed sources are unverified hearsay and have attributed to conflicting information that continues to circulate.”
The representative added, “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.”
Her on-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach, were both at the scene when Panettiere was pronounced dead – pictured 2018
The representative for the Heroes star concluded by saying that “the answers we are all seeking will come.”
On the day of her death, emergency responders were called to a condominium in Greenville, South Carolina. They attempted to resuscitate the actress, but she was later pronounced dead.
Hickerson’s attorney, Sloan Ellis, said in a statement on August 20, “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.’
Panettiere began acting as a child, appearing in soap operas, then gained wider recognition for her role in the 2000 sports drama Remember the Titans with Denzel Washington, and as the voice of Dot in Pixar’s 1998 film A Bug’s Life.
Panettiere later found fame playing cheerleader Claire Bennet in the superhero drama Heroes before starring as country singer Juliette Barnes for six seasons on Nashville.
She earned two Golden Globe nominations for best supporting actress on the show, while her singing produced 11 entries on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.
Panettiere’s film credits include 2006’s Bring It On: All or Nothing, the comedy-drama film Raising Helen, and appearances in Scream 4 and Scream VI as Kirby Reed.
She had an 11-year-old daughter called Kaya following a life-threatening birth, and later gave full custody of the child to her former fiancé, Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko.
Panettiere’s passing was announced by her father Skip Panettiere, who said in a statement: ‘It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden.
‘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. We ask for privacy as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss.’
Authorities in Greenville, South Carolina, subsequently said that officials responded to an apartment in the area after receiving a report of an ‘unresponsive female’ via a possible ‘drug overdose,’ subsequently determined to be Panettiere.