Hayden Panettiere is believed to have died after taking an oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl, according to a report citing sources close to the investigation. However, authorities in South Carolina have stressed that the actress’s official cause and manner of death have not yet been confirmed.
The Nashville and Heroes star, 36, was found unresponsive at an apartment in Greenville on 16 August. Emergency responders attempted to revive her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hayden Panettiere death investigation
TMZ reported that Panettiere had allegedly obtained black-market prescription medication, including oxycodone, from a long-standing drug dealer in Los Angeles. Sources cited by the outlet said investigators believe one of the pills may have contained fentanyl.
The alleged dealer is reportedly the subject of a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation, as authorities examine his relationship with Panettiere and attempt to trace the origin of the pill.
TMZ also reported that Panettiere had taken medication purchased from the dealer on a flight from Los Angeles to South Carolina the day before her death. The claims have not been publicly confirmed by police, the coroner or the DEA.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office said an autopsy found no signs of trauma that would have contributed to Panettiere’s death. Toxicology and other studies are still required before an official ruling can be made.
In an update on Monday, the coroner’s office said: “We have not released anything at this time. We will send out an email release when ready.” The office said the investigation remained active.
A redacted Greenville Police Department report said Brian Hickerson, described in the document as Panettiere’s boyfriend, and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were at the apartment when she was found. The report stated that the men called 911 and that officers saw emergency crews carrying out life-saving measures.
The report also said Hickerson showed an officer a bag of medication Panettiere had been taking. It remains unclear whether any medication contributed to her death, and police have not suggested that either man is responsible.
Police have said that preliminary inquiries found no indication of foul play or suspicious circumstances. Panettiere’s death is being investigated by Greenville police, the Greenville County Coroner’s Office and the DEA.
Panettiere was best known for playing cheerleader Claire Bennet in Heroes and country singer Juliette Barnes in Nashville. She also appeared in Remember the Titans, Scream 4 and Scream VI.
