The investigation into actress Hayden Panettiere’s sudden death on August 16 has reached the national level.
Investigators are reportedly working both in Los Angeles and South Carolina, where Panettiere was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest. After failed attempts to resuscitate, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators believe drugs played a part in her passing. TMZ reported that the “Nashville” star passed from fentanyl-laced oxycodone supplied by a known LA-based drug dealer.
TMZ claimed, “Hayden took several drugs purchased from her dealer on the flight from L.A. to South Carolina the day before she died.”
Hayden Panettiere’s representative spoke with E! News on September 16, shutting down these claims.
“As reported yesterday by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, Hayden’s death remains under investigation pending completion of toxicology results, despite reports from some outlets stating otherwise. Recent reports attributed to unnamed sources are unverified hearsay and have attributed to conflicting information that continues to circulate.”
According to the Greenville police report, Panettiere was with on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach Hickerson, when she died. Brian administered Narcan and Zach called 911 to report Panettiere’s loss of consciousness.
A dispatcher call obtained by USA Today mentioned medics confirming they responded to an “overdose.”
Hickerson and Panettiere first dated in 2018, with reports of domestic abuse and assault against Panettiere.
The report also states that Brian showed a bag of medication Panettiere was currently taking. It is unknown if drugs or alcohol played a part in her death.
The Greenville City Police Department is leading the investigation with assistance from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
An August 20 media release from the Greenville Police Department revealed, “…no signs of foul play during the initial response and investigation.”
The late actress’s rep continued, “While we are all eager to find closure and better understand the circumstances surrounding her passing, we must remain patient and allow the investigative process to unfold. The answers we are all seeking will come.”
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