Hayden Panettiere's Death Ruled Accidental Overdose
Police confirm no foul play in the actor's passing, as family raises concerns over estate handling.
Carla Rooney
Hayden Panettiere's death at 36 has been officially ruled an accidental drug overdose.
The Greenville Police Department confirmed the ruling. It cited the Medical Examiner’s determination and investigation findings. First responders attempted resuscitation at the scene on August 16 after finding Panettiere in cardiac arrest. They pronounced her dead.
Panettiere’s ex-boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother Zack were present when emergency services arrived. Authorities claim Panettiere took multiple drugs she bought in Los Angeles the day before her passing. She then flew to South Carolina.
Panettiere had a long-time drug dealer in Los Angeles. From this individual, she obtained narcotics illegally, including oxycodone. The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) joined a local police probe into the circumstances of her death.
It remains unclear if that investigation has concluded. Wladimir Klitschko, Panettiere’s former fiancé and father of their 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, has requested temporary guardianship of the actor’s estate.
Klitschko shared concerns that Panettiere’s belongings have been mishandled. He claims a non-family member previously connected to Hayden sold certain items, believed to include jewelry, to a pawn shop.