Federal authorities are investigating the death of Hayden Panettiere, centering their efforts in Los Angeles. A key aspect of the inquiry is whether the actor obtained nonprescription pills from a local dealer. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and local law enforcement have interviewed multiple individuals regarding the circumstances surrounding her death on August 16.
According to sources, investigators are particularly concerned with counterfeit oxycodone pills Panettiere might have consumed before passing away in a Greenville, S.C., apartment. Counterfeit pills are known to often contain fentanyl, which can be fatal even in tiny doses. This investigation resembles those conducted into the deaths of actor Matthew Perry and rapper Mac Miller. Those cases led to charges against the individuals who supplied the drugs.
After TMZ released information suggesting Panettiere may have ingested a fentanyl-laced pill, the Greenville County coroner clarified that the toxicology report is not yet complete, and no official cause or manner of death has been recorded.
Panettiere was found in cardiac arrest by paramedics and police, as reported by the coroner’s office. Dispatch audio from Broadcastify.com referred to a potential overdose and ongoing CPR. Narcan was administered, and resuscitation efforts were made, but she was declared dead at 2:31 p.m.
Brian Hickerson, Panettiere’s long-term boyfriend, was present at the scene and provided authorities with a bag of medications. Panettiere resided in Los Angeles, while Hickerson is originally from Greenville. South Carolina attorney Sloan Ellis, 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.”
In previous cases like those of Perry and Miller, legal actions resulted in convictions for drug suppliers. Perry’s death in his hot tub led to guilty pleas from his assistant, two doctors, a producer, and a woman known as the “Ketamine Queen.”