Hayden Panettiere's remains ready for release as toxicology results remain pending: Report

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA: Hayden Panettiere’s body is ready to be released following an autopsy, but South Carolina coroners confirmed Tuesday, August 18, that toxicology results could take up to 12 weeks.

Authorities are also investigating what substance may have been in the 36-year-old actress' system when she died, while the cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation.

Hayden Panettiere's autopsy and toxicology investigation

An autopsy was performed on Panettiere's body Monday, a day after she suffered a cardiac arrest following a suspected overdose at an apartment in Greenville. Her body will be released once her family decides on a funeral home, a representative for the Greenville County Coroner's Office told TMZ.

The timeline for the toxicology report is generally eight to 12 weeks, although results could arrive sooner or later. Authorities are investigating what substance may have been present in her system when she died.

There is no evidence to suggest that she had consumed illicit substances. Police officers and EMS personnel responded to reports of an "unresponsive female" at a residence in Greenville at around 1:51 pm local time on Sunday, August 16.

The woman was later identified as Panettiere. According to dispatch audio obtained by PEOPLE, officials discussed an "overdose" and "cardiac arrest" around the time of Panettiere's death. The Greenville Police Department and Greenville County Coroner's Office are leading the investigation. 

The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of "foul play" or suspicious circumstances. "At autopsy no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death," coroner Mike Ellis said in a statement.

Hayden Panettiere's career, struggles and family

Narcan was found at the apartment where Panettiere died, according to reports. A source told PEOPLE on August 17 that Narcan was found at the scene. The treatment is designed to rapidly reverse the effects of a life-threatening opioid emergency.

TMZ reported that the device used to dispense the potentially life-saving medicine was found on a mattress. Panettiere had been open about her battles with addiction and postpartum depression. She checked into rehab in 2015 for postpartum depression treatment.

In 2020, she sought treatment for substance abuse and spent eight months in rehab. Her professional acting career began in 1994 when she starred in the ABC soap opera 'One Life to Live.'

She later had high-profile roles in 'Heroes,' 'Nashville' and the 'Scream' franchise. She also starred in several coming-of-age films and teen romantic comedies in the early 2000s, including Disney's 'Ice Princess,' 'Racing Stripes,' 'Bring It On: All or Nothing' and 'I Love You, Beth Cooper.'

Panettiere leaves behind her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, whom she shares with former fiance Wladimir Klitschko.