According to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, Hayden Panettiere, 36, passed away from the toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol, and quetiapine. Officials determined the manner of death as accidental.
Details of the Incident
On August 16, 2026, authorities received a 911 call at 1:51 PM about a reported cardiac arrest at 701 Easley Bridge Road, Greenville. First responders and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) found a woman in cardiac arrest. Despite advanced cardiac life support efforts, the woman was pronounced dead at 2:32 PM. The deceased was identified as Hayden Leslie Panettiere from California.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office and the Greenville City Police Department conducted a joint investigation. An autopsy revealed no trauma contributing to the death.
Reactions and Investigation
Hayden Panettiere’s former boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother Zach discovered her unresponsive and called 911, according to a police report. Hickerson provided authorities with medication Panettiere had been using. The police report noted considerable emotional responses from those present during the resuscitation efforts.
Prior to her passing, Hickerson had traveled with Panettiere from Los Angeles. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is collaborating in the ongoing investigation.
Response from Panettiere’s Representatives
Panettiere’s representatives criticized the rumors and speculation surrounding her death, emphasizing the disrespect to her memory. They urged those with legitimate information to contact law enforcement instead of speculating publicly. Her team maintained that key details would emerge during the investigation, focusing on ensuring justice.