New reports have emerged regarding the cause of Hayden Panettiere's death, weeks after the actress died at age 36.
Her cause of death
Multiple law enforcement sources told TMZ that Panettiere's death was caused by ingesting oxycodone laced with fentanyl. She reportedly had a long-time drug dealer who supplied her with black-market prescription medications, including oxycodone, and is believed to have taken the pill on the morning of her death.
What happened
Panettiere was found unresponsive at Judson Mill Lofts in Greenville, South Carolina, on 16 August, with police responding to the scene at around 1:51pm. The Greenville Police Department confirmed in a statement: "Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered; however, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The case is under investigation by the Greenville Police Department in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner's Office. The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An acquaintance of Ms. Panettiere placed the 911 call."
It was later reported that her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother Zach were present at the time of her death. Hickerson's attorney, Sloan Ellis, told TMZ: "Hayden's death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed. As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play."
Her career
Panettiere began acting at just 11 months old, later voicing Princess Dot in A Bug's Life and appearing in One Life to Live before rising to prominence as Claire Bennet in Heroes. She went on to earn two Golden Globe nominations for her role as Juliette Barnes in Nashville. Following news of her death, former co-stars including Melissa Barrera paid tribute online, with Barrera writing: "Rest in peace sweet Hayden."
Her personal life and past struggles
Panettiere shared her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, with former world heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko. She entered rehab in 2015 for alcohol addiction, and gave full custody of Kaya to Klitschko in 2018 while focusing on her recovery. Speaking to ABC News in 2022, she reflected on that period, saying: "I didn't know where the alcoholism was ending and the postpartum was beginning. And I ran myself pretty ragged."
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, help is available through American Addiction Centers at (313) 209-9137, available 24/7, or via their website.
