Hayden Panettiere died from the toxic effects of fentanyl combined with several other drugs, the Greenville County Coroner’s Office announced Tuesday, more than five weeks after the actress was found unresponsive at a South Carolina residence. The coroner ruled her death accidental.
Officials listed the cause as toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol and quetiapine. 4-ANPP is a chemical precursor used in illicit fentanyl production. Alprazolam, sold under the brand name Xanax, treats anxiety. Methocarbamol relaxes muscles, and quetiapine addresses conditions including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The coroner’s office said an autopsy turned up no signs of trauma.
Emergency crews responded to a 911 call reporting a cardiac arrest at a Greenville home on Aug. 16 at roughly 1:51 p.m. Paramedics attempted resuscitation but could not revive her, and she was pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m. Panettiere, 36, had been staying at the residence temporarily. Greenville police said their preliminary investigation turned up no signs of foul play, noting that an acquaintance placed the emergency call.
Panettiere’s father, Skip Panettiere, announced her death in August, calling her “an incredible light and a force of nature” who brought joy to everyone who knew her, both personally and through her work on screen. She began acting at age 5 and landed her breakout role in “Remember the Titans” before joining the NBC series “Heroes” as the regenerating cheerleader Claire Bennet. She later starred in “Nashville,” earning two Golden Globe nominations, and returned to the “Scream” franchise in recent years.
The actress had spoken openly about her struggles with substance use throughout her career, stepping back from acting in 2016 before resuming work in 2023. She published a memoir this past May detailing those struggles and the pressures of growing up in the entertainment industry. Colleagues including Courteney Cox and her former “Heroes” castmates have publicly remembered her since her death, describing her warmth and talent.
The case has been closed following the coroner’s findings, though authorities continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding how she obtained the drugs involved.
