Greenville Police Rule Hayden Panettiere's Death Accidental

The Greenville Police Department has closed its investigation into the death of actress Hayden Panettiere. A statement issued by the department confirms that her death was ruled accidental, bringing the local inquiry to a close following an autopsy last month.

Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive at a South Carolina residence on August 16. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office determined that she died from an accidental drug overdose. Toxicology results indicated the presence of fentanyl, Xanax, methocarbamol, and quetiapine in her system. Methocarbamol is a prescription muscle relaxant, while quetiapine is an anti-psychotic medication.

The medical examiner’s report noted that emergency crews treated Panettiere for cardiac arrest. The autopsy found no signs of external trauma contributing to her death. The coroner’s findings were released in September, identifying fentanyl as a primary substance in the fatal mix.

While local authorities have concluded their review, the status of a parallel federal inquiry remains open. The Drug Enforcement Administration reportedly joined the local police probe. A Greenville Police spokesperson could not clarify what the DEA was specifically investigating when contacted for comment. The BBC has also reached out to the DEA for an update on their findings.

A police report from the day of her death states that Panettiere’s ex-boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother Zack, were present when emergency services arrived. Hickerson has previously admitted to abusing Panettiere. The actress had spoken publicly about her struggles with substance abuse prior to her death.