The Greenville Police Department in South Carolina has closed its investigation into the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, confirming on Wednesday, October 28, that her death was ruled accidental. The 36-year-old star of “Heroes” and “Nashville” was found unresponsive in a Greenville apartment building on August 16.
What We Know
In a brief statement, Greenville police said that Panettiere’s death “has been ruled accidental” and that the department “has concluded its investigation.” The announcement comes more than two months after the actress died, and roughly five weeks after the county coroner released its own findings.
According to ABC News and Global News, the Greenville County Coroner’s Office determined in findings dated September 22 that Panettiere died from the toxic effects of fentanyl and several other substances, and classified the manner of death as an accidental overdose. The autopsy found no trauma that contributed to her death and no sign of foul play.
Police were called to the apartment building after a report of a cardiac arrest. Emergency responders attempted lifesaving measures before she was pronounced dead. A police incident report cited by both outlets states that her on-and-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were at the building when officers arrived. Much of what they told investigators was redacted in the released documents. No charges have been announced.
The closing of the local case may not be the end of official scrutiny. ABC News reported that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration assisted Greenville police, and sources indicated that a federal inquiry, possibly aimed at street-level suppliers, is believed to be ongoing. A representative for Panettiere’s side told ABC that it is “not uncommon for local police to close a case while federal investigators are still actively working.” The DEA has not publicly commented.
Background
Panettiere began acting as a child and became a familiar face to a generation of viewers. She played the indestructible cheerleader Claire Bennet on NBC’s “Heroes,” in a cast that also featured Kristen Bell, and later earned Golden Globe nominations as country singer Juliette Barnes on “Nashville.” Her film credits include “Ice Princess” and “Scream 4.” You can read more about her life and career in our Hayden Panettiere biography.
Away from the screen, Panettiere spoke openly for years about postpartum depression and addiction after the 2014 birth of her daughter, Kaya, whom she shares with former heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko. In May 2026 she published a memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” in which she wrote about recovery, trauma and loss.
Her mother, Lesley Vogel, told NBC News that her daughter had entered rehab several times, including in the weeks before her death, and said she had never heard her mention fentanyl, Global News reported.
Reactions
Following her death, Klitschko paid tribute on Instagram, writing that Panettiere was, “although no longer my partner, an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya.” According to ABC News, a memorial service attended by around 80 friends was held in Malibu in September.
What’s Next
With the police file closed, attention turns to any federal action and to the actress’s estate. Earlier in October, Klitschko filed an emergency petition in California, saying that some of Panettiere’s belongings had been seized as part of a federal investigation and that valuables had gone missing from her Los Angeles home. A court granted him status to protect their daughter’s inheritance, Global News reported. Further proceedings in that matter are expected.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, support is available. In the U.S., the SAMHSA National Helpline can be reached at 1-800-662-4357.
Sources
- ABC News (via ABC7 Chicago): Hayden Panettiere’s death ruled accidental, South Carolina police closing investigation
- Global News: Hayden Panettiere’s death ruled accidental, police close investigation
- CNN: Hayden Panettiere death investigation closed by police in South Carolina