Hayden Panettiere death investigation closed after months of review

South Carolina authorities have officially closed their investigation into the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, concluding that her fatal overdose was accidental. The Greenville Police Department confirmed the formal conclusion of the inquiry on Wednesday, October 28, following the medical examiner’s ruling and a multi-month review of the case.

In a statement reported by CBS News, the department said, “Based on the Medical Examiner’s determination and the findings of the investigation, Hayden Panettiere’s death has been ruled accidental.” In an email reported by CNN, the department confirmed that “The Greenville Police Department has concluded its investigation” into the case, as covered also by Entertainment Weekly.

Panettiere died at age 36 on August 16, 2026, at an apartment at Judson Mill Lofts in Greenville, South Carolina. Emergency personnel responded to a 911 call reporting an unresponsive woman and performed advanced cardiac life-support measures before pronouncing her dead at 2:32 p.m.

The coroner’s findings

On September 22, the Greenville County Coroner’s Office determined the cause of death. According to the official release reported by The Guardian, “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 an accident” with an autopsy revealing no physical trauma.

Panettiere’s on-again, off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother Zach Hickerson were present at the scene and placed the 911 call, according to police records. Shortly after her passing, the Greenville Police Department stated that “The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.”

Brian Hickerson, speaking through attorney Sloan Ellis, expressed respect for her loved ones and called for allowing the official investigation to proceed after authorities confirmed no signs of foul play were found, according to Us Weekly.

What came next in the inquiry

Following the release of the toxicology report in September, local and federal authorities looked into the origin of the substances, including whether counterfeit or illicit pills had been sourced from California, according to CNN and AP News.

While local detectives have officially concluded their probe, it remains unconfirmed whether federal agencies, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, are conducting a separate inquiry into the narcotics distribution. Authorities have not indicated whether federal prosecutors intend to pursue criminal charges against any third-party suppliers connected to the fentanyl found in Panettiere’s system.

In October 2026, a California court granted Panettiere’s former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko legal status to safeguard her property for their 11-year-old daughter, who is her sole heir, AP News reported.

Remembering her life and career

Panettiere worked extensively in television and film for decades. She rose to international fame playing Claire Bennet in the NBC drama series “Heroes” from 2006 to 2010 and starred as Juliette Barnes in “Nashville” from 2012 to 2018. Her major film credits included “Remember the Titans” in 2000, “Bring It On: All or Nothing” in 2006, “Scream 4” in 2011, and “Scream VI” in 2023. In May 2026, she released a memoir addressing her career as a child star as well as her personal experiences with addiction and postpartum depression.

Following her death, her father, Skip Panettiere, shared a family statement honoring her memory, describing her as an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her and to the millions who watched her onscreen.

Actress Alyssa Milano also paid tribute on Fox News, describing Panettiere as a gifted performer whose advocacy work was “instinctive, human, sometimes messy, often vulnerable, and always sincere”