36-year-old actress death closed as accidental after fentanyl findings
Greenville Police confirmed the ruling on Wednesday, ending a probe that followed a coroner's report listing five substances in the system.
By Cecilia Martin ·
The Greenville Police Department has closed its investigation into the death of Hayden Panettiere.
Officers ruled the 36-year-old actress's death accidental on Wednesday. The department stated this decision follows the Medical Examiner's determination and their own inquiry findings. Police noted they have concluded the case after the Greenville County Coroner's Office issued its findings in September.
The coroner identified the cause of death as the toxic effects of five specific substances. These included fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol, and quetiapine. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, and 4-ANPP is a byproduct of its production. Alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax, treats anxiety. Methocarbamol, or Robaxin, is a muscle relaxant. Quetiapine, or Seroquel, is an antipsychotic medication.
The autopsy report showed no signs of trauma that contributed to the death. Panettiere was found unresponsive in an apartment in Greenville in August. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures before pronouncing her dead. Brian Hickerson, her on-again, off-again boyfriend, and his brother Zach were at the scene when police arrived.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration assisted local police during the investigation. Sources familiar with the matter indicated the DEA probe may still be active. Investigators could be looking into street-level dealers who provided the drugs found in Panettiere's system. The local police department's announcement comes more than a month after the coroner first released the accidental overdose ruling.
Panettiere had spoken publicly about her struggles with addiction and recovery before her death. She released a memoir titled This Is Me: A Reckoning in May. The book detailed her experiences with postpartum depression, trauma, and domestic abuse. She is survived by her daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with ex-fiance Wladimir Klitschko. A memorial service was held in Malibu in September and attended by approximately 80 friends.
Source: KSHE
