Hayden Panettiere‘s tragic death has brought new details of her health to light.
More begins to unravel as the “Heroes” star’s passing hit like a shock wave. With attempts to connect the dots while the cause and manner of her death are still under official investigation, her final appearances are being swept through with a fine-tooth comb.
Hayden Panettiere’s death has created a void in the entertainment industry where she made a name for herself as a child star. She notably struggled with alcohol dependency, body dysmorphia, and addiction.
In case you missed it, Paramedics responded to a 911 call placed by Panettiere’s friend from a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, around 1:51 p.m on Sunday. The caller told the authorities that she was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest.
Details of what exactly triggered the cardiac arrest remain undisclosed; however, the dispatch audio of responders reveals the medics were sent to the scene to perform CPR on someone who overdosed.
The Emergency medical service workers reportedly tried to resuscitate her using “advanced cardiac life support” to no avail. The paramedics also tried chest compressions on the actress before pronouncing her dead at 2:32 p.m.
The Greenville County Coroner is expected to perform an autopsy on Monday to determine the cause and manner of death. It should be noted that Panettiere’s only sibling, Jansen, also passed away suddenly a few years ago from an undiagnosed heart condition.
The TV Personality Reportedly Had Health Hurdles Before Her Death
Panettiere’s health was not at its peak in the few months leading up to her death. The actress was reportedly not feeling well to the point that her mobility was affected. The health challenge got so serious that she had to turn to crutches to get around at some point.
Paparazzi caught up with the singer at LAX earlier this year, and she was seen moving whilst leaning heavily on the mobility devices. She told the photog back in March that she was dealing with “some pinched nerves in her lower back.”
The mom of one told the media outlet at the time that she was already on the mend for the back issue before hopping into her parked vehicle. According to sources who spoke to TMZ, the disturbance in her back was no news, as the movie star had been complaining of regular back pain over the past year.
Gayle King Recalled Hayden Panettiere Was Still ‘Struggling’ In The Months Leading To Her Death
Popular “CBS Mornings” host Gayle King reflected on the last interview she had with Panettiere before her sudden death. She noted that the “heartbreaking” news of the singer’s death saddened her before telling the audience that “it was hard when she was here” for her last interview about her memoir in May.
King went on to give a brief rundown of their final interview together, recalling the actress’s decision to grant full custody of her daughter Kaya to her ex, Wladimir Klitschko, due to her personal struggles with opioids and alcohol. The TV journalist noted that it was “one of the hardest things” Panettiere chose to do.
Entertainment Weekly reported that King added that she felt the mom of one was “clearly still struggling” during their May interview. However, Panettiere had told the TV host, off camera, that she felt she was in a good place.
The News Of The ‘Heroes’ Star’s Death Stunned Her Neighbors
Not only was the entertainment industry left in shock by the sad news of the actress’s death, but people within a stone’s throw of her were also surprised by the news. Residents of the luxury apartment complex in Greenville expressed their astonishment at learning of her demise.
In an exclusive interview with Page Six, a tenant of Judson Mill Lofts detailed the harrowing hours after Panettiere died in one of the complex’s apartments on Sunday, August 16. “I was shocked, as I’m sure everyone in Greenville was, to find out she was here,” the neighbor stated.
The neighbor noted that they had neither seen nor spoken to anyone who had seen the mom of one around before her death. They also revealed that the managers of the apartment complex have assured residents via broadcast messages that the circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death were not “anything criminal.”
“It’s still kind of jarring to hear that someone of her stature was here and then that tragically happened to her,” the neighbor empathized before adding that the apartment she died in was probably an Airbnb rental.
Hayden Panettiere Disclosed Her Plans For The Future
In her last interview, Earthside, Panettiere made a statement that now hits viewers’ heartstrings even harder after her death. “I can hopefully leave the world a better place than I found it,” she said at a Los Angeles book event in May while promoting her memoir, adding, “The strength is in our vulnerability.”
The media outlet reported that, at the same event, the actress said writing about her struggles in “This Is Me: A Reckoning” was worth it because it touched many lives on a personal level. She also revealed her plans for the next step in her career.
Moving from child model to actress, singer, and author, Panettiere shared that she “would love to direct.” Her motivation to step up as a director was especially to protect other child actors like herself.
She noted that young actors face many emotional challenges, and she hopes to create a safe space that provides them with the right industry experience.
Would Hayden Panettiere’s death be linked to an underlying health issue?