Hayden Panettiere's death has been officially ruled an accidental overdose, and the Greenville Police Department has closed its investigation. The actress, best known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, died at age 36 on August 16 at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina.
Police reported that Panettiere, who had struggled with addiction and mental health issues, was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest, with no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. The Greenville Police Department stated: "Based on the (coroner's office's) determination and the findings of the investigation, Hayden Panettiere's death has been ruled accidental. The Greenville Police Department has concluded its investigation."
Coroner's Findings on Cause of Death
Last month, the Greenville County Coroner's Office said the autopsy showed no sign of trauma. In a statement, they said: "An autopsy was completed by a Board Certified Forensic Pathologist. At autopsy, no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death."
The statement continued: "The cause of death has been ruled as toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, Alprazolam, Methocarbamol, and Quetiapine. The manner of death has been ruled accident. This case is administratively closed by the Greenville County Coroner's Office."
A coroner's report obtained by The Associated Press confirmed the death was from an accidental overdose of several drugs, including fentanyl and the anti-anxiety medication Alprazolam. Other drugs in her system included a muscle relaxer and an antipsychotic medication used to treat major depression.
Discovery and Response
Reports from the Greenville County Medical Examiner showed that Brian Hickerson, Hayden's on-off boyfriend, and his brother Zack discovered her unconscious on the sofa, turning a deep shade of purple. The brothers tried to wake her and administered two doses of Narcan, but failed and called emergency services. Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene.
At the time of her death, her spokesperson said: "As reported yesterday by the Greenville County Coroner's Office, Hayden's death remains under investigation pending the completion of toxicology results, despite reports from some outlets stating otherwise." The spokesperson added: "Recent reports attributed to unnamed sources are unverified hearsay and have attributed to conflicting information that continues to circulate. While we are all eager to find closure and better understand the circumstances surrounding her passing, we must remain patient and allow the investigative process to unfold."
Legal and Family Matters
Her ex-fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, filed an "urgent motion" last month to protect their daughter, Kaya, 11, and her inheritance. In late September, Klitschko filed a petition in Los Angeles to become the temporary guardian of Kaya's estate. Following Hayden's death, Kaya inherited a reported $6 million estate, and Wladimir is now ensuring that all of Hayden's possessions are returned following the investigation.
The "declaration of urgency" was filed on September 24. The filing reads: "Kaya is a U.S. citizen, residing abroad with her father, Wladimir. Hayden, a U.S. citizen and resident of California, died intestate on August 16, 2026. Although Kaya is not a resident of California, this Court has jurisdiction over the guardianship of Kaya's estate because, as such heir, Kaya is entitled to the entirety of the assets subject to Hayden's probate administration in California."
In 2018, when Kaya was three, Panettiere signed full custody to her ex-partner due to her battle with postpartum depression and addiction. Klitschko and Kaya moved to Ukraine. The documents state the motion was filed to ensure Wladimir "may receive, manage and hold, on Kaya's behalf, the assets to which Kaya is entitled from Hayden's probate estate."
