In a developing story, the Drug Enforcement Administration has stepped in to assist with the probe surrounding the untimely death of acclaimed actress Hayden Panettiere. This involvement has been confirmed by individuals familiar with the ongoing investigation.
Leading the investigation is the Greenville City Police Department in South Carolina. However, the DEA’s participation underscores the case’s complexity and potential implications.
ABC News has proactively reached out to Hayden Panettiere’s representatives, seeking their perspective and comments as the investigation unfolds.
Panettiere, cherished for her dynamic performances in “Ice Princess,” “Heroes,” and the beloved series “Nashville,” tragically passed away on Sunday at 36, leaving fans and the entertainment industry in shock.
The involvement of the DEA in this sensitive case was announced just a day after Greenville police made public a detailed report shedding light on the circumstances at the private residence where the actress was tragically found.
According to the report, an officer arrived at the residence on Easley Bridge Road in Greenville, responding to an EMS assist for an unresponsive individual.
The officer said that Panettiere was with her on-again, off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zack Hickerson, when she died.
According to the police report, it is unknown if Panettiere was using drugs or alcohol at the time of her death, although the officer added in the report that Brian Hickerson had shown them the bag of medication that Panettiere was taking.
Officials arrived on scene to assist in the investigation, and the coroner was also on scene to conduct their investigation.
Panettiere’s official cause and manner of death “remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies,” the coroner’s office said in a press release on Monday.
Prior to her death, Panettiere had been candid about her struggles from child stardom through adulthood.
She released a memoir this May titled “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” in which she shared “a rare and intimate glimpse into her life behind closed doors, opening up about postpartum depression, addiction and recovery, trauma, domestic abuse, and loss,” according to a synopsis for her book.
Everywhere across Hollywood, many have been mourning the actress’ death. Along with “Ice Princess,” “Heroes” and “Nashville,” she also starred in “Remember the Titans,” “Raising Helen,” several “Scream” films and more.
Panettiere is survived by her daughter Kaya, whom she shared with her ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko.
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