More details emerge in Hayden Panettiere’s death
More details have emerged following the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, who was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday, August 16.
Panettiere, known for her roles in Heroes, Nashville, and the Scream franchise, was 36.
According to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office as per TMZ, a 911 call reporting a cardiac arrest was received at around 1:51 p.m. on Sunday. First responders and emergency medical personnel arrived at the residence and found Panettiere in cardiac arrest.
Emergency personnel attempted to resuscitate her using advanced cardiac life support measures, but the efforts were unsuccessful. She was pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m.
The coroner’s office completed an autopsy on Monday, August 17, and reported that there were “no signs of trauma” that contributed to her death. However, her official cause and manner of death remain undetermined as authorities continue their investigation.
Reports from TMZ have also emerged about the circumstances surrounding the emergency call. Dispatch audio obtained by PEOPLE reportedly included references to an “overdose” and “cardiac arrest.” However, an apparent overdose has not been confirmed as the cause of Panettiere’s death.
TMZ also reported that Narcan, a medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, was found on a mattress inside the apartment. However, it remains unclear who the medication was intended for or whether Panettiere received it.
Authorities have said there is currently no indication of foul play. Further testing and investigation will be needed before the coroner can determine the official cause of death.
Panettiere's death came months after she released her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, in which she opened up about her experiences in Hollywood, struggles with addiction and postpartum depression, and the death of her younger brother, Jansen Panettiere, in 2023.
She began her acting career as a child and later gained international recognition as Claire Bennet in Heroes. She went on to star as country singer Juliette Barnes in Nashville, a role that earned her two Golden Globe nominations. Her film credits included Remember the Titans, Bring It On: All or Nothing, Scream 4, and Scream VI.
Panettiere is survived by her parents and her daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko. Her father, Alan “Skip” Panettiere, confirmed her death and described her as a “force of nature” who brought love and light to many.
The investigation into Panettiere’s death remains ongoing.
