New report from the coroner's office reveals cause of death

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Actress Hayden Panettiere died from an accidental overdose involving fentanyl and several other drugs, according to a newly released report from the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.

Cause of Death Confirmed

Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive inside an apartment in Greenville on August 16, after emergency responders received a call concerning a woman experiencing cardiac arrest.

Paramedics performed advanced life-support measures for more than 40 minutes, but Panettiere was pronounced dead at the residence, according to authorities and the coroner’s office.

The coroner determined that her death resulted from the toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol and quetiapine, a combination of substances found during toxicology testing.

The manner of death was officially classified as accidental, while the autopsy found no trauma that contributed to Panettiere’s death, according to Greenville County officials.

Investigation Continues

Although the medical examiner has determined the cause and manner of death, investigators have said the broader circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death remain under investigation.

The Greenville Police Department is leading the investigation, with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration assisting authorities as investigators examine where the fentanyl originated.

ABC News reported that investigators may examine whether Panettiere obtained nonprescription drugs through a local supplier before her death, although authorities have not announced arrests.

The Los Angeles Times reported that investigators were examining allegations involving counterfeit pills, including pills described as resembling oxycodone but potentially containing fentanyl.

Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, said the coroner’s finding does not resolve questions about whoever may have supplied the drugs, and she called for continued investigation into her daughter’s death.

What Investigators Found

According to reporting based on the coroner’s investigation, authorities found blue pressed pills and a straw inside the apartment, with testing indicating the presence of fentanyl.

Investigators also reportedly found a white powdery substance inside a sunglasses case in Panettiere’s luggage, adding another element to the ongoing investigation.

Panettiere’s longtime boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were present at the apartment when authorities arrived, according to police and media reports.

Police have said there were no indications of foul play, while Hickerson’s attorney has asked that the investigation be allowed to proceed before further conclusions are drawn.

A Career Spanning Decades

Panettiere began working professionally as a child, appearing in commercials and television productions before becoming widely recognized through major acting roles.

She became internationally known for playing cheerleader Claire Bennet in the television series Heroes, which helped establish her as a major young television star.

She later starred as country singer Juliette Barnes in Nashville, a role that earned her two Golden Globe nominations and expanded her career into music.

Her film credits included appearances in the Scream franchise, including Scream 4 and Scream VI, as well as earlier projects such as Ice Princess.

Personal Struggles in the Public Eye

Panettiere had previously spoken publicly about addiction, postpartum depression and the pressures associated with growing up in the entertainment industry.

In her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, released in May 2026, she discussed substance abuse, motherhood, personal trauma and her efforts to recover.

She had also entered rehabilitation during her career, including treatment related to alcohol and substance use, while continuing to work publicly in television and film.

Her death came only days before her 37th birthday, according to reports, adding another painful dimension to the sudden loss for her family and supporters.

Fentanyl and the Investigation

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that can be used medically but is also frequently found in illegally manufactured counterfeit pills, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

The investigation into Panettiere’s death therefore extends beyond determining the medical cause, with authorities also examining how the substances entered her possession.

Similar investigations following celebrity overdose deaths have previously focused on drug suppliers, although each case depends on its own evidence and circumstances.

For now, authorities have not announced criminal charges connected to Panettiere’s death, and investigators have indicated that the case remains active.

Panettiere’s death has renewed attention on the dangers surrounding fentanyl while also prompting renewed interest in the actress’s career, personal struggles and efforts to speak openly about recovery.

Her family and representatives have asked for patience as authorities continue their investigation, while fans and colleagues remember an actress whose career began in childhood and continued for decades.

What happens next will depend on the ongoing investigation, particularly whether authorities identify the source of the fentanyl and determine whether anyone can be held legally responsible for supplying it.