Hayden Panettiere's preliminary autopsy has shown no signs of trauma, as the investigation into her death at age 36 continues. The actress died on Sunday, August 16, in Greenville, South Carolina, and an autopsy performed the following day found no indications of trauma contributing to her death, according to Fox News Digital.
Autopsy Results and Emergency Response
The Greenville County Coroner's Office stated, "At autopsy, no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death." The statement added, "The cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies." Officials noted, "This investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details are available for release at this time."
Panettiere was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville on Sunday at around 1:50 p.m. The coroner's office said in a statement, "First responders and Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene and located a female in cardiac arrest. EMS personnel initiated advanced cardiac life support measures; however, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and the individual was pronounced deceased at 2:32 PM."
Investigations and Prior Reports
The Greenville County Coroner's Office and Greenville City Police Department launched investigations into her death. Before the autopsy results, authorities told NBC on Sunday that "The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An acquaintance of Ms. Panettiere placed the 911 call."
Reports indicate Panettiere had travelled to South Carolina with her former partner just a day prior to her death. The Nashville actress was confirmed dead at the scene after emergency services attended, as previously reported by NBC News. Panettiere would have celebrated her 37th birthday on Friday, August 21.
Family Statement and Legacy
On Sunday, Panettiere's father, Skip Panettiere, issued a statement to ABC News, saying, "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her -- and to the millions who watched her onscreen."
She is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, whom she welcomed in 2014 with her former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko. Panettiere began her on-screen career in advertisements as a toddler and became most recognised for her performances in Heroes, Nashville, Bring It On: All or Nothing, Ice Princess, and The Amanda Knox Story, among other productions. Before her death, she released her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, in May 2026, which provided insight into her life in the limelight and personal struggles with addiction.
