Hayden Panettiere died from an accidental overdose that included fentanyl, coroner’s office says

Actress Hayden Panettiere's death on August 16, 2026, has been officially ruled an accidental overdose, according to the Greenville County Coroner's Office in South Carolina. The cause of death was attributed to the toxic effects of multiple substances found in her system, including fentanyl, along with 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol, and quetiapine. Panettiere was 36 years old at the time of her passing.

She was discovered unresponsive in a Greenville apartment by her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, who then called 911. Emergency medical personnel attempted resuscitation efforts for over 40 minutes, but were ultimately unsuccessful. An autopsy revealed no signs of trauma that would have contributed to her death, and authorities, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, are continuing an active investigation into the source of the drugs.

Panettiere had previously spoken publicly about her challenges with addiction to drugs and alcohol throughout her life.