Federal authorities are investigating the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, focusing on the sources of drugs and medications involved. This mirrors previous investigations following the deaths of Matthew Perry and Mac Miller, where suppliers faced charges.
Drug Enforcement Administration agents and local investigators have questioned several individuals about Panettiere’s demise on August 16 in a Greenville, South Carolina apartment. Paramedics found her in cardiac arrest, and dispatch audio referred to a possible overdose and active CPR. Narcan was administered, but resuscitation efforts failed, and she was declared dead at 2:31 p.m.
Similarities are drawn to Perry and Miller’s deaths due to overdoses. In those cases, charges were brought against individuals supplying Perry with ketamine and Miller with cocaine and fentanyl-laced oxycodone. Perry’s death led to multiple guilty pleas, including from his assistant and medical professionals.
The Greenville County coroner has conducted an autopsy but awaits toxicology results. Panettiere, originally from Los Angeles, was with her boyfriend Brian Hickerson, a Greenville native, at the time of her passing.
A police report provides details on the initial response to the scene. Brian Hickerson showed officers Panettiere’s medications, though the report redacts parts such as the brothers’ statements during the 911 call. Officer Matthew Bryan recorded an interview with Hickerson and noted emotional responses from both brothers.
Security footage from the apartment complex provided valuable insights for investigators, aiding a search warrant. Sloan Ellis, Hickerson’s attorney, stated the investigation continues, emphasizing police confirmation of no foul play.
Sources told People Magazine and TMZ about the DEA’s involvement. Hickerson faced multiple arrests for domestic violence against Panettiere since 2019, leading to legal consequences. He served 45 days in jail, received formal probation, and enrolled in domestic violence classes.