Greenville police close case on Hayden Panettiere death
Authorities ruled the actress's August death an accidental overdose involving fentanyl and four other substances.
By Adam Richardson ·
Greenville police closed their investigation into the death of actress Hayden Panettiere on Wednesday. The department stated that the case is concluded based on the medical examiner's findings.
“Based on the Medical Examiner’s determination and the findings of the investigation, Hayden Panettiere’s death has been ruled accidental,” the police department said in a statement.
Panettiere, 36, died in August after being found unresponsive in a Greenville, South Carolina apartment. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office first ruled the death an accidental overdose on Sept. 22. Police continued their probe after that initial finding.
The coroner identified the cause of death as the toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol, and quetiapine. An autopsy found no signs of trauma. 4-ANPP is a byproduct of fentanyl production. Alprazolam is a treatment for anxiety, methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant, and quetiapine is an antipsychotic. Fentanyl is the substance most likely to cause an overdose death in that combination.
Police reports indicate that Panettiere's on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were present when officers arrived. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures before pronouncing her dead. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration assisted police with the local investigation. Sources familiar with the matter said the DEA probe is ongoing and may focus on street-level drug dealers who supplied the substances.
Prior to her death, Panettiere spoke publicly about addiction and recovery. She released a memoir titled “This Is Me: A Reckoning” in May. The book covered postpartum depression, trauma, domestic abuse, and loss. Her representative told ABC News that the family was seeking comment on the police announcement.
Panettiere is survived by her daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko. A memorial service for the actress was held in Malibu in September. Approximately 80 friends attended the gathering.
Source: KSHE
