Actress Hayden Panettiere’s death has been listed as an accidental overdose of several drugs, two months after the actress sadly died aged just 36
Hayden Panettiere’s official cause of death has been confirmed. The actress tragically died aged just 36 two months ago, and police have now confirmed they have closed their investigation.
The actress who starred in the TV series Heroes, as well as Nashville, was pronounced dead at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16. Police said Panettiere, who had struggled with addiction and her mental health, was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest, with “no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances”.
Now, her death has been ruled as accidental. In a statement, the Greenville police department said: “Based on the (coroner’s office’s) determination and the findings of the investigation, Hayden Panettiere’s death has been ruled accidental. The Greenville Police Department has concluded its investigation.”
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Last month, the Greenville County Coroner’s Office said that Hayden’s autopsy displayed no sign of trauma. In a statement, they said: “An autopsy was completed by a Board Certified Forensic Pathologist. At autopsy, no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death.
“The cause of death has been ruled as toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, Alprazolam, Methocarbamol, and Quetiapine. The manner of death has been ruled accident. This case is administratively closed by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.”
A coroner’s report obtained by The Associated Press last month said her death was from an accidental overdose of several drugs, including fentanyl, as well as anti-anxiety medication, Alprazolam. The other drugs in her system included a muscle relaxer and an antipsychotic medication used to treat major depression.
Reports from Greenville County Medical Examiner showed that Brian Hickerson, Hayden’s on-off boyfriend and his brother, Zack, discovered her unconscious on the sofa of the property, turning a deep shade of purple.
According to the report, the brothers tried to wake Panettiere up and administered two doses of Narcan, but failed and called the emergency services. Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene.
At the time of Hayden’s death, her spokesperson said: “As reported yesterday by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, Hayden’s death remains under investigation pending the completion of toxicology results, despite reports from some outlets stating otherwise.
“Recent reports attributed to unnamed sources are unverified hearsay and have attributed to conflicting information that continues to circulate. While we are all eager to find closure and better understand the circumstances surrounding her passing, we must remain patient and allow the investigative process to unfold.”
Her ex-fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, filed an “urgent motion” last month to protect their daughter, Kaya, 11, and her inheritance, amid concerns about Hayden’s property.
In late September, Klitschko filed a petition in Los Angeles to become the temporary guardian of Kaya’s estate. Following Hayden’s death, Kaya inherited a reported $6 million estate, and Wladimir is now ensuring that all of Hayden’s possessions are returned following the investigation into her death.
The “declaration of urgency” was filed on September 24. The filing reads: “Kaya is a U.S. citizen, residing abroad with her father, Wladimir. Hayden, a U.S. citizen and resident of California, died intestate on August 16, 2026. Although Kaya is not a resident of California, this Court has jurisdiction over the guardianship of Kaya’s estate because, as such heir, Kaya is entitled to the entirety of the assets subject to Hayden’s probate administration in California.”
In 2018, when Kaya was just three, the late actress signed full custody to her ex-partner due to her battle with postpartum depression, as well as addiction. Klitschko and Kaya moved to Ukraine, where he is from. The documents go on to state that the motion was filed to ensure that Wladimir “may receive, manage and hold, on Kaya’s behalf, the assets to which Kaya is entitled from Hayden’s probate estate.”
Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email frank@talktofrank.com, message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600), or the NHS has information about getting help.
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