Hayden Panettiere death ruled accidental as police close probe

The investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s death has been officially closed after authorities ruled the actress's fatal overdose accidental. The Greenville Police Department confirmed the conclusion, stating that the decision was based on the Medical Examiner’s determination and the findings of the investigation, as reported by the New York Post ^[1].

Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on 16 August. According to the Daily Mail, her on-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother Zach were present when she was pronounced dead ^[2]. First responders arrived following a 911 call reporting a woman in cardiac arrest, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and she was pronounced dead at 2:32 pm ^[1].

Toxicology results previously released by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office indicated the cause of death was the toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol, and quetiapine ^[1]. The BBC News reported that the death was attributed to this combination of drugs, ending the local police probe ^[4]. An autopsy conducted by a Board Certified Forensic Pathologist found no signs of trauma that contributed to her passing ^[2].

The closure of the case follows months of uncertainty. Although the coroner’s office had initially ruled the death accidental in September, the police investigation remained open until now ^[1]. Authorities had previously stated that preliminary investigations indicated no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances, as noted by CBS News ^[7].

Insiders told TMZ that authorities believed Panettiere may have fatally consumed an oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl, obtained from a 'long time drug dealer' in Los Angeles ^[2]. This information, however, has not been confirmed by official police statements. The actress had flown to South Carolina the day prior to her death after taking multiple drugs purchased in Los Angeles.

Panettiere’s father, Skip Panettiere, announced her passing in August, describing her as an 'incredible light' and asking for privacy for the family ^[2]. Her former fiancé, Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko, had been granted full custody of their daughter, Kaya. With the investigation now administratively closed by the coroner’s office, the family seeks to move forward from the tragic incident.