By Fatma Younis
Police in Greenville, South Carolina, have closed the investigation into the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, ruling it an accident based on the medical examiner's determination and investigative findings.
Coroner cites toxic drug combination
Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive at a South Carolina home on August 16. The Greenville County Coroner's Office reported she died from the toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol, and quetiapine. An autopsy revealed no signs of trauma contributing to her death.
Officers responded around 1:50 p.m. ET and found Panettiere in cardiac arrest. Resuscitation efforts failed, and she was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:32 p.m. Her on-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach, were present and called 911. Police noted Zach was emotional during the emergency response, while Brian became emotional only after the death was confirmed. Brian handed over a bag of medication belonging to Panettiere to investigators.
Father confirms passing
Panettiere's father, Skip, confirmed her death in a statement to ABC News, describing her as an "incredible light and a force of nature" who brought joy to millions.
Ex-fiancé seeks estate guardianship
Former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko, father of their 11-year-old daughter Kaya, requested temporary guardianship of Panettiere's estate in early October. Court documents allege a non-family member previously connected to Panettiere sold items, including jewelry, to a pawn shop. Klitschko expressed concern that remaining belongings could be sold or transferred without police involvement. On October 8, he was appointed temporary guardian of Kaya's estate pending a long-term administrator.
