Hayden Panettiere’s cause of death has been disclosed.

Hayden Panettiere’s tragic death has been officially ruled an accidental overdose, according to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, with toxicology results confirming the presence of fentanyl and several prescription medications.

The coroner’s statement revealed that Panettiere, who died on August 16, 2016, just days shy of her 37th birthday, had fentanyl, Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax), Methocarbamol (a muscle relaxant), and Quetiapine (an antipsychotic) in her system. The report clarified that no signs of trauma were found during the autopsy, further substantiating the accidental nature of her death.

Investigation into Circumstances of Death

Prior to the toxicology results, there were indications that authorities were looking into the possibility of an overdose. Reports suggested that investigators believed Panettiere may have ingested a single fentanyl-laced pill shortly before her death. Law enforcement had reportedly connected her drug use to a longtime dealer, raising questions about the source of the drugs.

Additionally, officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had discussions with Panettiere’s on-again, off-again partner, Brian Hickerson, as part of their inquiry into the events leading up to her passing. While Hickerson was not identified as a suspect, the investigation was focusing on potential dealers who may have provided the lethal substance.

Hayden Panettiere’s Legacy and Struggles

At the time of her death, Panettiere was in South Carolina with Hickerson and his brother, Zach. Emergency responders were called to their location after reports of an unresponsive individual in cardiac arrest. Despite attempts at resuscitation, including the administration of CPR and Narcan, she could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A beloved figure in both film and television, Panettiere was well-known for her roles in renowned series such as Nashville and Heroes, as well as her appearances in the Scream franchise. Throughout her life, she had been transparent about her struggles with addiction and mental health issues, particularly following the birth of her daughter in 2014, which led her to seek treatment and ultimately surrender custody of her child.

Her experiences and battles with addiction were detailed in her memoir, This is Me: A Reckoning, and she often shared her story in interviews, shedding light on the complexities of her life.