Hayden Panettiere Died From Toxic Effects Of Fentanyl, Other Substances — Coroner

American actress Hayden Panettiere died from the toxic effects of fentanyl and other substances, the Greenville County Coroner’s Office in South Carolina has said.

The coroner’s office, in a statement on Tuesday, ruled the 36-year-old actress’s death an accident.

Panettiere, who was known for her roles in the television series Heroes and Nashville, was pronounced dead at an apartment in Greenville on August 16.

According to authorities, emergency medical personnel responding to a 911 call found the actress in cardiac arrest but were unable to revive her.

Panettiere had previously spoken publicly about her struggles with mental health and substance abuse, including postpartum depression and addiction, which affected her career during her younger years.

The actress, who began her career before she was one year old, had recently opened up about her experiences in a memoir and discussed the death of her younger brother.

Her career had also been experiencing a revival, with her latest film released in January.

Panettiere’s death sparked widespread shock and grief in Hollywood and beyond. Her former partner, former Olympic and world boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko, paid tribute to the actress and pledged to ensure that their daughter, Kaya, would always remember her mother.

The coroner’s office said in August that Panettiere, who was a resident of California, “had been temporarily staying” at the Greenville apartment. Authorities did not disclose who owned or occupied the apartment.

According to a Greenville Police Department incident report, Panettiere’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach, called 911 on the afternoon of August 16 after finding her unresponsive.

The brothers were reportedly questioned separately at the scene, while Brian Hickerson handed a police officer a bag containing Panettiere’s medications, according to the report.

The Hickerson family has roots in Greenville, where some relatives reside. Police records showed that Brian Hickerson lived in California, while Zach Hickerson lived in Georgia.

Panettiere’s death, coming shortly after the release of her memoir, has renewed discussions about the challenges faced by child stars who grow up under intense public scrutiny.

Her struggles and eventual death have also prompted other former child stars to speak publicly about the pressures associated with growing up in the entertainment industry.