Federal authorities are delving into the death of actor Hayden Panettiere by focusing their investigation in Los Angeles. They are examining the possibility of her obtaining nonprescription pills from a local dealer. Both Drug Enforcement Administration agents and local investigators have questioned several individuals about the events leading to her death on August 16.
The investigation centers on Panettiere reportedly consuming what was identified as counterfeit oxycodone. This occurred before her death in a Greenville, S.C., apartment, as indicated by sources familiar with the situation. Such counterfeit pills have been known to contain fentanyl, a substance which can be lethal even in small doses. This case parallels investigations into the deaths of actor Matthew Perry and rapper Mac Miller. Both cases resulted in criminal charges for their respective drug suppliers.
Following a TMZ report suggesting Panettiere might have ingested a fentanyl-laced pill, the Greenville County coroner stated that toxicology testing is still underway. There has been no official determination of the cause or manner of her death. The coroner’s office revealed that paramedics and police found Panettiere in cardiac arrest. Broadcastify.com dispatch audio mentioned a possible overdose with CPR being conducted. Narcan was administered to her, and paramedics attempted resuscitation. She was pronounced dead at 2:31 p.m.
Authorities reported her longtime boyfriend Brian Hickerson, present at the scene, provided a bag of medications to investigators. Although Panettiere resided in Los Angeles, Hickerson is a native of Greenville. Sloan Ellis, a South Carolina attorney hired for Hickerson after Panettiere’s death, commented, “Hayden’s death remains under investigation, and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed. Police have publicly confirmed there are 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.”
In past instances involving Perry and Miller, prosecutors pursued and obtained convictions for the suppliers involved. Perry’s death, which occurred in a hot tub, concluded with convictions for his assistant, two doctors, a producer, and a woman referred to as the “Ketamine Queen.”