Hayden Panettiere’s reps have criticized the growing speculation surrounding her death, urging people with legitimate information to contact law enforcement rather than make public claims.
The actress, known for her role in “Heroes,” died on August 16 at age 36 after she was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina.
Investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the case, and authorities have said an autopsy found no signs of trauma, while the official cause and manner of death remain undetermined.
In a statement shared exclusively with Us Weekly, a representative for Panettiere addressed widespread speculation surrounding her passing.
As reported, the statement read, “Many people who were not close to Hayden are using her death as an opportunity to fuel gossip and speculation about a situation they knew very little about.”
The statement continues, condemning the rampant speculation as “deeply disrespectful” to the late actress’ memory and to the people who knew and loved her and are “actively grieving this tremendous loss.”
The rep also asked that anyone who has relevant information provide it directly to the concerned authorities.
“If you have legitimate information that could be helpful, please contact law enforcement rather than turning to social media to speculate publicly about something you do not fully understand,” the statement added.
The Actress Rep Says Those ‘Closest’ To The Star Aren’t Speaking Publicly
5While concluding their statement, Panettiere’s rep noted that there is more to the story that the public isn’t aware of.
The rep stressed that “those closest to Hayden are actively cooperating with the ongoing investigation to help ensure that the truth comes to light and that justice is properly served.”
Panettiere’s representative also said, per ABC7, that “There’s nothing to be shared at this time as the investigation is ongoing, but we are hopeful that justice will be served.”
The statement comes as reports and social media conversations focus on the people around the actress, especially her ex-boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, who was reportedly with her when she was discovered.
What Authorities Have Confirmed Regarding The Ongoing Case
5Panettiere was found unresponsive at an Airbnb in Greenville on August 16. With her were her ex, Brian, and his brother Zach Hickerson. According to reports, there was a 911 call regarding cardiac arrest due to a possible overdose.
Reports have noted there was no obvious physical reason explaining her unresponsiveness. Emergency personnel and first responders attempted to save her, but resuscitation attempts failed, and Panettiere was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene.
The coroner’s office and Greenville police began their investigation, and an autopsy was done shortly after. The autopsy results asserted that there were no signs of trauma contributing to Panettiere’s death.
The official cause and manner of her death remain a matter of investigation; authorities have said that toxicology reports are still pending but that there has so far been no indication of foul play.
What Sources Close To Hayden Panettiere Have Said, Including Black Tape Claim
5Since Panettiere’s passing, rumors and speculation have been cropping up to unwrap the mystery surrounding her death; sources close to the late actress have also weighed in.
Zach previously revealed in a report by TMZ that Brian had administered Narcan, a medication meant to counter a life-threatening opioid emergency, to Panettiere when they discovered her motionless.
Panettiere’s neighbor, who lived one door away from her, told Inside Edition that she was afraid of Brian, reporting disturbing incidents like him ripping apart her bathroom with a sledgehammer at 5 in the morning.
As reported by Us Weekly, after Panettiere’s death, Billy Bush spoke to a neighbor who came forward with observations fueling further speculation.
The neighbor claimed to see a car parked in her space. “I saw a car in her parking space. I had walked down to look at her apartment, and I heard someone speaking in the apartment,” the woman said. She alleged that the door’s Ring camera looked like it had been tampered with.
According to her, “A couple of hours later, I went down to see if I could still hear voices, and I noticed their Ring camera had tried to be ripped from the wall and someone placed black electrical tape over the speaker and the camera.”
The outlet reports that a source close to the family says that the cameras were connected to Brian’s phone, and that the situation remains under investigation, so “nosey neighbors need to let law enforcement do their job.”
Brian Hickerson Asks That People Let The Investigation Proceed
5Panettiere’s on-again, off-again boyfriend Brian is at the center of many speculations regarding her death. He’s been referenced by neighbors close to Panettiere and was reportedly with her at the time of her death.
According to USA Today, Brian has issued his statement addressing Panettiere’s death via his attorney, Sloan Ellis.
“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,” the statement read.