Greenville Police Close Investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s Death

The final determination follows a comprehensive review of toxicology results and coroner findings. The autopsy, conducted by a board-certified forensic pathologist, identified the cause of death as the toxic effects of a combination of substances, including fentanyl, 4-ANPP, Alprazolam, Methocarbamol, and Quetiapine. Officials found no physical signs of trauma, leading them to classify the passing as accidental.

Emergency responders were called to 701 Easley Bridge Road on the afternoon of August 16, where they found Panettiere in cardiac arrest. Despite advanced life support measures, she was pronounced dead at 2:32 PM. While investigators had initially explored the possibility that the actress may have inadvertently consumed counterfeit drugs sourced from Southern California, police ultimately found no evidence of criminal involvement. Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach, were present at the residence and contacted emergency services. Panettiere, known for her roles in "Heroes" and "Nashville," had recently detailed her long-term struggle with mental health and substance abuse in her memoir, "This Is Me: A Reckoning," published just months before her death.