Greenville Police Close Case on Hayden Panettiere's Death

The Greenville Police Department has concluded its independent probe into the death of Hayden Panettiere. Officials announced the closure on Tuesday, confirming that the 36-year-old actress died from an accidental overdose.

The department's findings align with the earlier determination by the medical examiner. Toxicology reports identified the cause of death as the combined toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol, and quetiapine. An autopsy revealed no signs of contributing trauma, supporting the accidental manner of death.

Panettiere was found unresponsive in an apartment in Greenville on August 16. Dispatchers received a 911 call reporting a woman in cardiac arrest at approximately 1:51 p.m. Medics pronounced her dead at 2:32 p.m. Her on-and-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were present at the scene.

Police maintained an open investigation while detectives followed leads, even after the coroner's office closed its file. The department has now formally ended its review, signaling the completion of the official review process.

Known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, as well as the Scream franchise, Panettiere had recently published a memoir titled This Is Me: A Reckoning in May. In the book, she discussed her struggles with alcohol, opioids, and postpartum depression.