The Greenville Police Department has officially closed its investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s death.
Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, on Aug. 16. First responders attempted to resuscitate the actress but she was pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m., according to police. A 911 call made that afternoon had reported a woman in cardiac arrest.
“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,” a representative for the department said.
The closure comes more than two months after the “Heroes” star’s passing. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office had previously determined Panettiere died from the toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol and quetiapine, according to her toxicology report. An autopsy found no signs of trauma that contributed to her death.
The police investigation had remained open even after the coroner ruled her death accidental in September. The department’s formal conclusion this week ends that probe.
Panettiere rose to fame as a child actor before landing her breakout role as cheerleader Claire Bennet on NBC’s “Heroes,” which ran from 2006 to 2010. She later starred as country singer Juliette Barnes on the ABC musical drama “Nashville” from 2012 to 2018, earning critical acclaim and multiple award nominations for the performance.
The actress had been open about her struggles with substance abuse and mental health in recent years. She entered treatment for postpartum depression and addiction following the birth of her daughter, Kaya, in 2014. Panettiere spoke publicly about her recovery journey in several interviews, discussing the challenges of maintaining sobriety while working in Hollywood.
Her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from co-stars and fans across social media. Many remembered her for both her on-screen talent and her candor about personal battles.
The combination of substances found in Panettiere’s system included fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that has driven a surge in overdose deaths nationwide, alongside other prescription medications. The coroner had ruled the death accidental, indicating no evidence of intentional self-harm.