Hayden Panettiere‘s death is now the subject of a growing investigation as authorities await the official autopsy results. The actress, who died at 36 years old, has prompted renewed scrutiny surrounding the circumstances of her passing, with the Drug Enforcement Administration reportedly joining the investigation. As officials work to determine what happened, questions remain unanswered while Panettiere’s family and friends await more information.
Days after the death of Hayden Panettiere on August 16, a source familiar with the case revealed that Drug Enforcement Administration agents are aiding the police department in their investigation.
While the federal agency’s main task is investigating major drug trafficking organizations operating in the country, the DEA may also assist local authorities when suspected drug involvement is connected to a death. Such was the case with actor Matthew Perry’s passing.
Panettiere’s preliminary autopsy reported no signs of trauma or physical injury that would have contributed to her death. However, the official cause and manner of death are still pending further investigation, and toxicology results have yet to be completed.
Based on a recording of the 911 dispatch call, the actress may have died of an overdose.
The Actress Was Reportedly Taking Several Medications
3According to the police report, Panettiere was found unresponsive on a chair when emergency personnel arrived. The actress’ on-and-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, was at the scene and showed officers a bag of medications Panettiere had been taking, but the exact medicines and what they were for were redacted.
Panettiere’s friend and hairdresser, Erick Orellana, revealed that the actress was in “severe” pain before her death and had trouble with her mobility. “At one point, it was even hard for her to move her legs,” Orellana told Page Six. An insider also shared that she sometimes took medication for her anxiety.
Hayden Panettiere Was Seen Using Crutches Months Before Death
In March, the actress was spotted at LAX using two crutches to help her walk. TMZ caught up with her and inquired about what happened, to which she answered that she had trouble with “pinched nerves” in her lower back but said that she was on the road to recovery.
In May, the actress appeared in a video for Women’s Health, in which she detailed her exercise routine. At one point, Panettiere said, “I’ve been dealing with an injury for the past year. Some nerve damage in my lower back, and barre has really helped me recover from that.”
While she did not disclose the injury that caused nerve damage, she had previously spoken about an accident while filming the 2005 movie, “Racing Stripes.” Panettiere was about to dismount a zebra when her foot caught in the stirrup as the animal bucked, throwing her into the air. The accident led to a concussion and damaged vertebrae, and she suffered from chronic pain in the years after.
The Actress Detailed Her History With Substances
3Panettiere released her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” just a few months before her death. She detailed her life as a child actress, her family dynamics, her relationships, and her struggle with drugs and alcohol.
She began using drugs at around 16 years old, revealing that a person from her team gave her “happy pills” to give her energy. “Whatever they were — and I suspect they were some sort of amphetamine — I didn’t care. At 16, they were the gateway drug that ushered me toward the good of pharmaceuticals and the downfall of addiction,” she wrote.
Panettiere also developed alcoholism and became dependent on opioids and amphetamines. In 2020, the actress entered an intensive treatment program for addiction where she remained for eight months.
Hayden Panettiere’s Autopsy Results Could Take Months
The coroner’s office in Greenville County, South Carolina, confirmed that Panettiere’s remains were released to her family on August 18.
The coroner released a statement saying the preliminary autopsy had been completed, but it may take “up to three months” for the full report to be released, which will include laboratory test results, comprehensive toxicology results, and microscopic pathology.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the actress’ death is still ongoing.