Authorities are expanding the inquiry into the death of actress Hayden Panettiere into a cross-country investigation spanning both Los Angeles and South Carolina, sources told ABC News. While toxicology results remain pending, investigators are concentrating on the role drugs may have played in her passing and tracing their origin.
Panettiere, celebrated for her roles in “Heroes,” “Nashville,” and “Ice Princess,” died on August 16 after being discovered unresponsive and in cardiac arrest at a home in Greenville, South Carolina. She had flown from Los Angeles to the state the day prior. Despite resuscitation efforts by first responders, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Greenville City Police Department is leading the probe with assistance from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Sources indicated that officials may be examining street-level dealers who could have supplied the actress with narcotics.
In a statement released on August 20 regarding the DEA’s involvement, Panettiere’s representative said, “There’s nothing to be shared at this time as the investigation is ongoing but we are hopeful that justice will be served.”
According to a police report obtained by ABC News, Brian Hickerson, Panettiere’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, and his brother Zach Hickerson were present when she was found. The responding officer noted that Brian Hickerson showed them “the bag of medication Hayden is currently on.” The report also indicated that Panettiere was “temporarily staying” at the residence.
Following the release of the police report, Brian Hickerson’s attorney issued a statement emphasizing the need to let the investigation proceed. The attorney confirmed that police found no signs of foul play and added, “Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”
Panettiere had previously been open about her struggles with substance abuse, which she wrote about in her May memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning.” In an earlier interview on the “Tamron Hall Show,” she recounted her journey to rehabilitation in 2020 after a doctor warned her that she faced a liver transplant if she did not stop using substances.
Her official cause and manner of death have not yet been publicly announced.
Wow, a cross-state investigation is serious business. I guess the timeline between LA and SC will be crucial to figure out exactly what happened.
Interesting that her boyfriend mentioned a ‘bag of medication.’ Is that legal prescriptions or something else? The police report holds clues.
She was so brave about her recovery journey in that memoir. It’s tragic that she faced these demons again, especially traveling alone.
DEA involvement changes everything. Do we know if it was prescription pills or something illicit like fentanyl? The details are still murky.
Oh no, this is heartbreaking. I loved her in Heroes. Sending prayers to her family during this incredibly difficult time.