Coroner reveals ‘no signs of trauma’ in Hayden Panettiere’s death after autopsy
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA: Greenville County Coroner’s Office released new details about Hayden Panettiere’s death on Monday, August 17, a day after she was found unresponsive in Greenville. An autopsy was completed, but the cause and manner of death remained pending further investigation and additional studies.
Panettiere was 36 and had previously spoken openly about her struggles with depression, addiction and the challenges she faced while growing up in the spotlight.
Hayden Panettiere’s autopsy found no signs of trauma
Greenville County Coroner Mike Ellis confirmed that, “an autopsy was completed today. At autopsy no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death. The cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies."
It continued, "This investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details are available for release at this time.” The coroner’s statement also provided details about the emergency response. First responders and Emergency Medical Services arrived after a 911 call at approximately 1:51 pm on Sunday, August 16 and found a female in cardiac arrest.
EMS personnel initiated advanced cardiac life support measures, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. The individual was pronounced deceased at 2:32 pm.
The individual was identified as Panettiere, who was “found unresponsive inside the residence, where she had been temporarily staying.” A representative confirmed her death on Sunday night in a statement shared with PEOPLE on behalf of her father, Alan Panettiere.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” the statement read. “She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen.”
Hayden Panettiere’s career, memoir and family
Per TMZ, a friend of Panettiere alerted authorities to the medical emergency by calling 911. Dispatch audio obtained by PEOPLE included officials discussing an “overdose” and “cardiac arrest” around the time of her death.
She began her on-screen career in ABC’s 'One Life to Live' before appearing in CBS’ 'Guiding Light', Pixar’s 'A Bug’s Life', 'Remember the Titans', NBC’s 'Heroes', 'Scream 4', 'Scream 6' and ABC’s musical drama series 'Nashville'.
Panettiere was survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, with former fiance Wladimir Klitschko. Earlier this year, she released her memoir, 'This Is Me: A Reckoning,' which detailed her struggles growing up in the spotlight, private addiction battles and more.
Ahead of the memoir’s release, Panettiere told PEOPLE in 2024, “You may laugh a little, cry a little, but most importantly, you’ll hopefully finish it feeling inspired. I’ve grown so much from my experiences.” She added that she hoped sharing her journey would provide comfort to those who had faced similar challenges and expressed gratitude for every lesson and for the woman she had become.
She became a mother in December 2014, when the couple welcomed Kaya Evdokia Klitschko. The former couple raised Kaya together for the first four years, but in 2018, Panettiere gave full custody to Klitschko.
