Hayden Panettiere Died From Accidental Fentanyl Overdose, Coroner Says
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA — September 23, 2026

Actress Hayden Panettiere died from an accidental overdose involving fentanyl and several other drugs, according to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office in South Carolina.

Panettiere, best known for her roles in “Heroes” and “Nashville,” was 36. She was found unresponsive at an apartment in Greenville on August 16, just days before what would have been her 37th birthday.

Coroner Rules Death Accidental
The coroner’s office said toxicology testing found fentanyl and its chemical byproduct 4-ANPP in Panettiere’s system, along with alprazolam, methocarbamol and quetiapine.

An autopsy found no signs of trauma that contributed to her death. Authorities classified the death as accidental.

Emergency responders were called to the apartment after Panettiere was found unresponsive. Paramedics performed CPR and other advanced resuscitation efforts for more than 40 minutes before she was pronounced dead.

Police Investigation Continues
Although the coroner has determined the cause and manner of death, Greenville police said their investigation remains ongoing.

Panettiere’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were at the apartment when she died.

A representative for Panettiere’s family told The Associated Press that the investigation remains ongoing and described the case as complex.

Authorities have not announced any criminal charges in connection with her death.

A Career That Began in Childhood
Panettiere began working in entertainment as a child and went on to become widely known for television roles in “Heroes” and “Nashville.” She also appeared in the “Scream” film franchise and other movies.

Her career brought international recognition, but she also spoke publicly about struggles with addiction, recovery and postpartum depression.

In her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” released earlier this year, Panettiere discussed the pressures of growing up in Hollywood and her efforts to overcome substance abuse.

Family Asks for Privacy
Panettiere was the mother of a daughter, Kaya, whom she had with former professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko.

Her family has asked for privacy following her death.

The latest coroner’s findings provide an official cause of death, while police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding how Panettiere obtained the drugs.

Sources: Associated Press; ABC News; Sky News; Greenville County Coroner’s Office.