A criminal investigation has been opened following Hayden Panettiere's death at the age of 36, with the DEA reportedly joining the probe, according to ABC News and the New York Times.
The Nashville actress died on Sunday night, with her father, Skip, breaking the news in a heartbreaking statement. Her boyfriend Brian Hickerson's brother, Zack, found her unresponsive at an apartment in South Carolina, with both calling 911. She was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation details
Her cause of death has not yet been confirmed, but the Coroner's office previously confirmed that her autopsy showed 'no signs of trauma'. Despite this, TMZ reports that an investigation was triggered as her death was 'unexpected'. According to the outlet, officers are carrying out a probe alongside the coroner, to determine the manner of death and if it is possible that there 'could be criminal conduct'.
Officials from the Greenville County Coroner's Office confirmed that it could take up to eight weeks for the autopsy report to be updated, and the toxicology results could also take some time. They added that 'no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death'.
Career and tributes
Hayden began her Hollywood career as an infant, appearing in a string of adverts in the US before landing roles in soap operas including One Life To Live and Guiding Light. She is most known for her efforts in Nashville and Heroes, as well as her role as Kirby in Scream 4 and Scream 6.
Her dad, Skip, confirmed her death in a devastating statement, which read: '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.'
Family response
Her ex, Wladimir Klitschko, later spoke out over her death, vowing to keep her memory alive for their daughter, Kaya. The former couple dated on-and-off for 10 years and welcomed their child in 2014, before splitting for good in 2018. Hayden had been vocal about her struggles with post-natal depression, and her decision to give her ex full custody of the 11-year-old.
'Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief,' the former boxer said in a statement. 'The announcement of Hayden's tragic death saddens me deeply. She left this world far too soon. Hayden was, although no longer my partner, an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya. She built an incredible career through immense talent, while also facing the darker sides of a very demanding industry. Nothing will erase the times we shared or the place she had in our lives.'
'To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was. I extend my deepest condolences to Hayden's parents, her friends, and her fans, who are also grieving today. Young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon.'
'I ask everyone to please respect our family's feelings and privacy during this incredibly difficult time. For now, this is all I wish to say. Thank you to everyone who is supporting my family and expressing their sincere condolences. Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace.'
The Mirror has contacted the DEA for a comment.
