Hayden Panettiere’s Overdose Death Investigation Closed by Police

Oct 28, 2026 2:31pm PT

Hayden Panettiere’s Overdose Death Investigation Closed by Police

Hayden Panettiere‘s death has been ruled as accidental and the investigation has concluded, the Greenville, South Carolina police department announced Wednesday.

“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,” the police department told media outlets.

The “Heroes” actress died Aug. 16 and a toxicology investigation concluded in September she died from the toxic effects of fentanyl, Xanax and other drugs.

“The cause of death has been ruled as toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, Alprazolam, Methocarbamol and Quetiapine,” the coroner’s official statement said in September, adding that there were “no signs of trauma” that would have contributed to death.

Panettiere’s boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother Zach were present at the scene of her death at a rented loft, and Brian Hickerson spoke with investigators about who may have sold her the drugs.

However, both the coroner and the police have now concluded the overdose was accidental.

Her father, Skip Panettiere, announced her death with the statement, “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” the statement read. “She was 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.”

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