Hayden Panettiere’s death ruled accidental as police close investigation

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Hayden Panettiere’s death has been officially ruled accidental, with the Greenville Police Department confirming that its investigation into the actress’s passing has concluded.

The ‘Scream 6’ actress died on August 16, days before her 37th birthday, after being found unresponsive at an Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina. Her death was attributed to the toxic effects of multiple drugs, including fentanyl, according to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.

Hayden Panettiere’s death investigation concludes following medical examiner’s findings

Sgt. Diana Munoz of the Greenville Police Department confirmed the ruling in a statement to PEOPLE, explaining that it was based on the medical examiner’s “determination and the findings of the investigation.” The department also confirmed that it had concluded its investigation into the case.

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office had previously announced on September 22 that Panettiere’s death was ruled an accident, with the toxic effects of multiple drugs identified as the cause. Before the findings were released, Panettiere’s representatives addressed reports surrounding the investigation in a statement to PEOPLE on September 16.

They cautioned against relying on unverified information attributed to unnamed sources. “Recent reports attributed to unnamed sources are unverified hearsay and have attributed to conflicting information that continues to circulate,” the statement read.

The representatives also urged patience as investigators worked to establish the circumstances surrounding her death. “While we are all eager to find closure and better understand the circumstances surrounding her passing, we must remain patient and allow the investigative process to unfold,” the statement continued.

Panettiere’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach, were present on the day she died. Neither brother has been charged with a crime in connection with her death. It was reported on August 20 that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had joined the investigation and searched Panettiere’s home for illicit substances nine days after her death, according to a source.

Hayden Panettiere discussed addiction and recovery in her memoir

Panettiere, who is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, had openly discussed her struggles with addiction. In May 2026, months before her death, she released her memoir, ‘This Is Me: A Reckoning’, which became a New York Times bestseller.

In the memoir, Panettiere described the pain of withdrawal and the urgency of seeking relief from its physical and emotional effects. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: addicts aren’t patient. When we’re shaking, nauseated, anxious, lonely, or depressed, we need instant relief that sends us into that pain-free place called denial.”

She also wrote about how rehabilitation helped her reconnect with herself and rediscover happiness. “Two weeks in, I started to feel calm,” she wrote. “I liked myself. What a revelation.”

Panettiere recalled laughing again during her recovery, explaining that the moment came from genuine amusement rather than a desire for someone else’s approval.

“Two weeks later, I laughed,” she wrote. “Not because of Brian or Wlad or Mom or someone else whose approval I craved, but because of something I thought was funny. That laugh was all mine, and no one could take it from me.”