South Carolina Police End Investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s Overdose Death

Greenville, South Carolina – Police announced on Wednesday that they have concluded their investigation into the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, 36, after a coroner’s report determined the overdose was accidental. Panettiere was found unresponsive in her Greenville apartment on 16 August and was pronounced dead by paramedics.

The decision to close the case was based on the medical examiner’s findings and the results of the local investigation, according to a statement from Greenville police. The coroner’s report, obtained by the Associated Press, listed several substances, including fentanyl, as the cause of death. The report also noted that Panettiere had been in a rehabilitation programme only weeks before her death.

Background

Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in the television series “Heroes” and “Nashville,” had been publicly open about her struggles with addiction. In May, she released a memoir titled “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” in which she described her battle with alcohol dependence and postpartum depression following the birth of her daughter in 2014. The child, now 11, lives primarily with Panettiere’s ex‑fiancé, former boxer Wladimir Klitschko, after moving in full‑time with him at age two.

At the time of her death, Panettiere’s on‑and‑off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother Zach Hickerson were present in the apartment. Her father told investigators that she had planned to travel to Ukraine to see her daughter in the days following her death.

Legal proceedings have also emerged. In a petition to a California court, Klitschko claimed that some of Panettiere’s property had been seized by federal law‑enforcement agents and an unnamed non‑relative attempting to sell it. The court later granted Klitschko legal status to protect the assets for their daughter, who is Panettiere’s sole heir.

Why it matters

The closure of the local investigation underscores the coroner’s determination that the overdose was not the result of foul play. It also highlights ongoing concerns about the role of federal agencies, particularly the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which has not commented on whether it continues its own review of the case. The involvement of federal authorities could affect the handling of seized property and any potential criminal charges related to drug distribution.

Panettiere’s death has drawn attention to the broader issue of opioid‑related overdoses, especially involving fentanyl, which has been linked to a surge in accidental deaths nationwide. Her public acknowledgment of addiction and mental‑health challenges adds a personal dimension to the public health conversation.

What happens next

While Greenville police have closed their investigation, the possibility of a separate federal inquiry remains unresolved, as officials declined to comment on any ongoing review. The California court’s recent order granting Klitschko legal status to safeguard Panettiere’s assets suggests further legal proceedings may focus on the management and disposition of her property. No additional dates or actions have been announced by law‑enforcement agencies at this time.