Police in South Carolina ruled Hayden Panettiere’s death an accident because the coroner found she died from the toxic effects of fentanyl and four other drugs.
Story Highlights
- Greenville police said Panettiere’s death has been ruled accidental and closed their investigation.
- The county coroner found she died from the toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol and quetiapine.
- Her mother, Lesley Vogel, said she had “never heard Hayden speak of fentanyl.”
- The coroner found no signs of trauma that contributed to her death.
- The 36-year-old actress, known for “Heroes” and “Nashville,” was found unresponsive in a Greenville apartment on August 16.
- No charges have been filed, according to reports.
Police Close The Case
On Wednesday, October 28, the Greenville Police Department in South Carolina announced that it had finished its investigation into the death of actress Hayden Panettiere. “Based on the Medical Examiner’s determination and the findings of the investigation, Hayden Panettiere’s death has been ruled accidental,” the department said. “The Greenville Police Department has concluded its investigation.”
The ruling rests on what the Greenville County Coroner’s Office found in September. The coroner listed the cause of death as “the toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol, and quetiapine.” Police said they found no signs of foul play during their first response or the investigation that followed.
What The Coroner Found
The coroner named five substances. Fentanyl is a man-made opioid painkiller that is far stronger than morphine. 4-ANPP is a chemical used to make fentanyl, and it often shows up alongside it in testing. Alprazolam is an anxiety medicine sold under the brand name Xanax. Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxer. Quetiapine is a prescription drug used to treat mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder.
The coroner also said the autopsy found no signs of trauma that played a part in her death. “Accidental” is the official manner of death. It means officials did not find that she took her own life or that another person caused her death.
Who Hayden Panettiere Was
Panettiere began acting as a child. She went on to star in the TV series “Heroes” and “Nashville,” and she appeared in films such as “Remember the Titans,” “Ice Princess” and “Bring It On: All or Nothing.”
She spoke openly about her struggle with addiction. In her memoir, she wrote that her life began to spiral after the birth of her daughter in 2014, when she drank heavily while coping with postpartum depression, the deep sadness some mothers face after giving birth. She went to rehab more than once. She also wrote about her grief after her brother, Jansen Panettiere, died in 2023 from a heart condition no one had found.
What Her Mother Said
Her mother, Lesley Vogel, called her a “fighter.” Vogel said her daughter was “transparent with her addictions and her numerous rehab attempts show her resolve to live a healthy life.” Vogel also said she had “never heard Hayden speak of fentanyl.”
Earlier reports said the federal Drug Enforcement Administration had also been investigating. Police did not address that inquiry in their closing statement.
A Hard Fight, Fought In Public
Addiction is one of the hardest battles a person can face, and Panettiere fought hers with the whole world watching. She did not hide it. She wrote about it, sought help for it and kept trying, which is what her mother pointed to first.
Fentanyl has been part of most of the nation’s overdose deaths over the past several years. Federal health data show that about 69% of U.S. overdose deaths in 2023 involved synthetic opioids, mainly illegally made fentanyl.
Sources:
foxnews.com, abc7.com, variety.com, nbcboston.com, nydailynews.com, kltv.com, wspa.com
