US actress Hayden Panettiere's death has been ruled accidental, with police in South Carolina confirming they have closed their investigation.
The Heroes and Nashville star died aged 36 on August 16 after an accidental overdose involving fentanyl, Xanax and several other drugs, according to the medical examiner's findings.
Police conclude investigation
Greenville Police Department announced the latest development on Wednesday, saying the findings of its investigation supported the medical examiner's conclusion.
'Based on the Medical Examiner's determination and the findings of the investigation, Hayden Panettiere's death has been ruled accidental,' a police spokesperson said.
The Greenville Police Department then said that it 'had concluded its investigation'. The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) also reportedly became involved in the case, however it remains unclear whether it has also finished its enquiries.
Details of the death
Panettiere was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville on August 16. Emergency crews reportedly treated her for cardiac arrest, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination found no signs of trauma that contributed to her death.
The coroner's report listed the cause of death as the toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam – the generic name for Xanax – methocarbamol, a muscle relaxant, and quetiapine, a medication used to treat certain mental health conditions.
Background and legacy
Panettiere had previously spoken publicly about her struggles with substance abuse, as well as her experiences with depression and postpartum depression.
According to a police report from the day she died, her former boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother Zack were at the residence when emergency services arrived.
Panettiere was best known for playing cheerleader Claire Bennet in Heroes and country singer Juliette Barnes in Nashville. She also appeared in the Scream film franchise.
