Greenville Police Close Investigation into Hayden Panettiere's Death
The department ruled the actress's death accidental, citing toxic levels of fentanyl and other substances found during an autopsy.
By Fatima Saleh ·
Greenville police ended their probe into the death of actress Hayden Panettiere on Wednesday, declaring the incident accidental.
The department stated that the Medical Examiner's findings and the investigation's evidence support this classification. Officials confirmed they have concluded their work on the case.
Panettiere, who was 36, died in August after responders found her unresponsive at a Greenville apartment. Emergency personnel attempted life-saving measures before pronouncing her dead on the scene. Police reports indicate that Brian Hickerson, her on-again, off-again boyfriend, and his brother Zach Hickerson were present in the apartment when officers arrived.
The determination follows the Greenville County Coroner's Office findings released on September 22. The coroner identified the cause of death as the toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol, and quetiapine. The autopsy revealed no signs of physical trauma that contributed to the death. 4-ANPP is a byproduct of fentanyl production. Alprazolam, methocarbamol, and quetiapine are prescription medications used for anxiety, muscle pain, and psychiatric conditions, respectively.
The police department had continued its investigation even after the coroner ruled the death an accidental overdose. Sources familiar with the matter previously told ABC News that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration assisted police during the inquiry. That federal investigation is believed to be ongoing and may focus on street-level drug dealers who supplied substances to Panettiere.
Prior to her death, Panettiere had discussed her history of addiction and recovery in public forums. She released a memoir titled This Is Me: A Reckoning in May. The book addressed postpartum depression, trauma, domestic abuse, and her journey through recovery. She is survived by her daughter Kaya, whom she shares with ex-fiance Wladimir Klitschko. Approximately 80 friends attended a memorial service for the actress in Malibu in September.
ABC News reached out to a representative for Panettiere's family for comment regarding the police department's final statement.
Source: KIQK
