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Health & Science · October 28, 2026

Hayden Panettiere's Death Ruled Accidental by Police

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The Greenville Police Department has officially closed its investigation into the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, ruling it an accident. Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16. The final police determination follows the Medical Examiner's earlier ruling that her death resulted from a multi-drug overdose involving fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol, and quetiapine. Authorities confirmed that there were no signs of trauma or foul play at the scene, concluding a probe that included involvement from the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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Reported by multiple outlets

  • Hayden Panettiere died on Aug. 16 in Greenville, South Carolina, at the age of 36.
  • The Greenville Police Department has officially ruled the death accidental and closed the investigation.
  • The ruling is based on findings from the Medical Examiner and the police investigation.
  • Panettiere died from the toxic effects of fentanyl and other substances.
  • There were no signs of trauma or foul play reported at the scene.

Reported by only some outlets

  • Brian Hickerson, Panettiere's on-again, off-again boyfriend, and his brother Zach were present at the scene and made the 911 call.
  • Specific substances identified in the toxicology report include fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol, and quetiapine.
  • Panettiere had reportedly been in rehabilitation weeks before her death.
  • The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was involved in the death investigation.
  • The location of the death was described variously as a residence, an apartment complex, or an Airbnb.

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