Investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s Death Focuses on Nonprescription Pills

Federal authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of actor Hayden Panettiere by focusing on nonprescription pills she may have obtained from a dealer in Los Angeles. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and local investigators are collaborating to understand the events leading to her death on August 16.

Sources familiar with the investigation reveal that Panettiere may have consumed counterfeit oxycodone pills before passing away in a Greenville, South Carolina apartment. These pills are frequently tainted with fentanyl, a potent substance known to be deadly even in small doses. This investigation mirrors those of actor Matthew Perry and rapper Mac Miller, both of whom died after consuming drugs laced with fentanyl.

Following a report by TMZ suggesting Panettiere might have ingested a fentanyl-laced pill, the Greenville County Coroner clarified that toxicology results remain pending, and the official cause and manner of her death have yet to be determined. Paramedics discovered Panettiere in cardiac arrest. Dispatch audio recordings referenced a possible overdose with CPR attempts ongoing. Narcan, a medication used to counteract opioid overdoses, was administered, but efforts to resuscitate her were unsuccessful. Panettiere was pronounced dead at 2:31 p.m.

Brian Hickerson, Panettiere’s longtime boyfriend who was present during the incident, provided investigators with a bag of medications. Authorities disclosed that while Panettiere resided in Los Angeles, Hickerson is originally from Greenville.

In the wake of Panettiere’s death, Sloan Ellis, a South Carolina attorney representing Hickerson, stated: “Hayden’s death remains under investigation, and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed. As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play. Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”

Past cases involving Matthew Perry and Mac Miller ended with prosecutors achieving convictions against the suppliers of the drugs. These included ketamine for Perry, and cocaine and oxycodone pills containing fentanyl for Miller. Perry’s untimely death in his hot tub led to multiple guilty pleas from various individuals, including his assistant and a producer.