Hayden Panettiere Death Probe Closed: Police Confirm Accidental Death The investigation into the death of Heroes and Nashville actress Hayden Panettiere has officially concluded, nearly three months after she died at the age of 36. The Greenville Police Department in South Carolina confirmed that the case has been closed, with authorities ruling her death accidental following the medical examiner’s findings. At the time of her death, her father had issued a statement writing, “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.” In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, the department said, “Based on the Medical Examiner’s determination and the findings of the investigation, Hayden Panettiere’s death has been ruled accidental. The Greenville Police Department has concluded its investigation.” Panettiere died on August 16 in Greenville, just days before her 37th birthday Panettiere died on August 16 in Greenville, just days before her 37th birthday. Her death was announced by a representative of her father, Alan “Skip” Panettiere, who paid tribute to the actress, describing her as an extraordinary presence who brought love and happiness to those around her and millions of viewers worldwide. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” he said in the statement released at the time. According to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, first responders found Panettiere in cardiac arrest on the afternoon of August 16. Emergency medical personnel attempted to resuscitate her using advanced cardiac life support measures, but their efforts were unsuccessful. She was pronounced dead at 2:32 pm. An autopsy was conducted on August 17. The initial examination reportedly found no signs of trauma that would have contributed to her death. On September 22, the coroner’s office confirmed that the actress died from the toxic effects of multiple substances, including fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax), methocarbamol, a prescription muscle relaxant, and quetiapine, sold under the brand name Seroquel. Her death was classified as accidental. The findings brought further attention to the circumstances surrounding the actress’ final hours, although authorities ultimately determined that the death was accidental. Panettiere’s former boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach, were reportedly present at the apartment when the actress died. According to the incident report, Brian showed police a bag containing medication that Panettiere had been taking at the time. Panettiere and Hickerson began dating in 2018 and were involved in a turbulent, on-again, off-again relationship that continued until 2022. Their relationship was marked by multiple arrests involving Hickerson in connection with domestic violence allegations. Panettiere’s former boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach, were reportedly present at the apartment when the actress died In July 2020, Hickerson faced four felony counts of corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant, two felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon and a felony count of intimidating a witness, identified as Panettiere, according to a report by PEOPLE. In 2021, he pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a significant other. He subsequently served 33 days of a 45-day sentence and was ordered to complete four years of formal probation and 52 domestic violence classes. He was also ordered to pay $500 in restitution. Panettiere was granted a five-year restraining order against him. Following the actress’ death, Hickerson’s lawyer issued a statement to TMZ, urging the public to allow the investigation to proceed. “Hayden’s death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” the statement read, adding that police had publicly confirmed there were no signs of foul play. The lawyer declined to comment further, citing respect for Panettiere’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation. On September 19, Panettiere’s friends and family came together for an intimate memorial service in Malibu, California, to remember the actress. Panettiere is survived by her daughter, Kaya, 11, whom she shares with her former fiancé, Ukrainian boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko. I bring over 14 years of experience in journalism and storytelling. What began as a summer internship in media has evolved into a rewarding affair wit... View More