By Basant El-Faramawy
US actress Hayden Panettiere's death has been ruled accidental, concluding a local police investigation in South Carolina, authorities announced. The 36-year-old "Heroes" and "Nashville" star died in August from the toxic effects of fentanyl, Xanax, and several other drugs in her system.
Investigation Concluded
The Greenville Police Department said it had "concluded its investigation" based on the medical examiner's determination and investigative findings. The US Drug Enforcement Administration reportedly joined the local probe, though it remains unclear whether that investigation has also ended. A police spokesperson could not comment on the DEA's specific focus when contacted.
Panettiere, who had spoken openly about her struggles with substance abuse, was found unresponsive at a South Carolina residence on August 16. The Greenville County Coroner's Office confirmed last month that the former child star died from an accidental drug overdose that included fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, as well as methocarbamol, a prescription muscle relaxant, and quetiapine, an anti-psychotic medication. The autopsy showed no signs of trauma contributing to her death.
According to a police report from the day she died, Panettiere's ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson, who has admitted to abusing her, and his brother Zack were with her when emergency services arrived.
