The Greenville County Coroner's Office has confirmed that actress Hayden Panettiere died from the toxic effects of multiple drugs, including fentanyl. The 36-year-old, known for roles in Heroes and Nashville, died on August 16 at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina. Her death was initially reported as a suspected drug overdose.
Autopsy findings
A spokesman for the coroner's office told the Daily Mail that an autopsy found no signs of trauma contributing to her death. The cause of death was ruled as toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, Alprazolam, Methocarbamol, and Quetiapine, with the manner of death ruled an accident.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid significantly more potent than morphine and can be fatal in very small amounts. The case has been administratively closed by the coroner's office.
Family and partner reactions
Panettiere's family previously described her as an incredible light who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her. Her father, Skip Panettiere, said 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 asked for privacy as the family processes the loss.
Her former partner, boxer Wladimir Klitschko, said his family was "going through a time of profound shock and grief." The couple dated from 2009 to 2018 and share daughter Kaya, born in 2014. In 2018, Panettiere gave Klitschko full custody as she struggled with alcohol addiction, opioid use, and post-partum depression.
Career highlights
Panettiere rose to fame as cheerleader Claire Bennet in Heroes and later starred as country singer Juliette Barnes in Nashville for six seasons. Her performance earned two Golden Globe nominations, and her songs appeared 11 times on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Film credits included Bring It On: All or Nothing, Raising Helen, Scream 4, and Scream VI, where she reprised her role as Kirby Reed.
The actress had spoken publicly about battling substance abuse throughout her 20s. The London Standard has contacted the Greenville County Coroner's Office for comment. Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction, and the NHS provides information on getting help.
