Narcan was reportedly discovered on a mattress inside the South Carolina apartment where Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive, adding a troubling new detail to the investigation into her sudden death at 36. The nasal spray is used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. However, it remains unclear whether anyone administered the medication in an attempt to save the actress.
Although emergency dispatch audio referenced a suspected overdose, authorities have not disclosed Hayden Panettiere’s official cause of death. An autopsy found no trauma that contributed to her passing, while the preliminary investigation uncovered no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.
According to TMZ, Narcan was found on a mattress at the apartment in Greenville’s Judson Mill Lofts where Panettiere was discovered. The presence of the medication does not establish that Panettiere suffered an opioid overdose.
It is also unknown who brought the Narcan into the apartment or whether it was used before emergency personnel arrived. The discovery nevertheless comes as dispatch audio reportedly captured the unidentified 911 caller describing a suspected overdose.
Detectives confirmed to the Daily Mail that emergency personnel responded to the apartment building at approximately 1:50 p.m. local time on Sunday. The person who made the call was described only as an “acquaintance” of Panettiere. Authorities have not publicly identified that individual.
According to the recording, the acquaintance reported that Panettiere was “unresponsive” and in “cardiac arrest” following a suspected overdose.
Paramedics Attempted To Revive Hayden Panettiere
5Emergency responders attempted to resuscitate Hayden Panettiere after arriving at the apartment. Paramedics performed chest compressions as they worked to save the actress, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Panettiere was pronounced dead slightly more than 40 minutes after the initial 911 call.
The reported mention of an “overdose” in the emergency call remains preliminary information rather than an official medical conclusion. Similarly, the Narcan found at the scene does not confirm that it was administered or that Panettiere’s death was caused by opioids.
Authorities have not announced what caused her cardiac arrest or what led her to become unresponsive.
The Autopsy Found No Contributing Trauma
5The Greenville Police Department and Greenville County Coroner’s Office are investigating Panettiere’s death. Authorities said the “preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.”
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office completed an autopsy on Monday. Officials said that “no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death.” Despite the completion of that examination, Panettiere’s cause of death has not been disclosed.
The available findings establish that investigators did not discover contributing physical trauma and have not identified evidence of foul play. They do not yet explain why the actress went into cardiac arrest. Until the coroner releases an official determination, the circumstances surrounding her death remain unresolved.
Hayden Panettiere’s Father Announces Her Death
5Panettiere’s father, Alan Lee “Skip” Panettiere, confirmed the devastating news in a family statement. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” he said. “She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her and to the millions who watched her onscreen.”
He also requested privacy while the family “takes time to process this unimaginable loss.”
The actress’ death shocked those who knew her in Hollywood, particularly because she had recently appeared to be celebrating a renewed period of professional success.
The Actress Had Been Celebrating Her Memoir’s Success
5Hayden Panettiere released her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” in May, in which she discussed everything from postpartum depression to her struggles with addiction. The book reached No. 4 on The New York Times bestseller list, and the actress traveled around the United States to promote it. She documented parts of that journey on Instagram as she celebrated the memoir’s reception.
Panettiere’s final Instagram post was shared on July 27. The black-and-white photograph showed her posing playfully with celebrity photographer Randall Slavin. She captioned the image, “Good times and good friends.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or a mental health crisis, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.