Emergency services were called for a person in "cardiac arrest" before arriving at Scream star Hayden Panettiere's home on Sunday, August 16. The call was made at 1:51 pm, and the caller indicated she was having heart issues, according to TMZ.
Details of the Emergency Call
The 911 call was reportedly made by an unidentified acquaintance. Police confirmed the 36-year-old mum-of-one died at the scene. In a statement to WYFF4, they said: "Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered; however, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The case is under investigation by the Greenville Police Department in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office. The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An acquaintance of Ms. Panettiere placed the 911 call."
Recent Health Concerns
The call came just a day after she jetted out of Los Angeles on Saturday, August 15, with her on/off boyfriend Brian Hickerson. The couple reportedly flew to the South, indicating they were only in the area for a few hours when the tragedy was reported.
TMZ also reported that Panettiere had been complaining of back pain in her final days. The Heroes actress had struggled with a health issue in the past year and was recently captured on video walking with slight difficulty. In May, she told Women's Health: "I quite literally woke up and felt nothing but pins and needles from my waist down. I wasn't able to bend my toes or lift my foot at all. No one was able to give me a solid answer." It is unknown if this issue is related to her death.
Family Statement
Hayden's father, Skip Panettiere, released a statement via ABC News confirming her death and requesting privacy. "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," he shared.
