Autopsy reveals American actress HAYDEN PANETTIERE died from drug overdose

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 - American actress Hayden Panettiere's cause of de@th has been officially confirmed, one month after the star died aged 36. 

Panettiere died August 16 at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, in what authorities said was suspected to be a drug 'overdose.' 

Her on-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach, were both at the scene when Panettiere was pronounced dead.

A spokesman for the Greenville County Coroner’s Office has confirmed to Mail that Panettiere died from the 'toxic effects' of multiple drugs - including fentanyl - and that her death was accidental.

Just a few grains of powerful opioid fentanyl, which is 50 times stronger than heroin, can cause a fatal overdose.

A spokesman said, 'An autopsy was completed by a board-certified forensic pathologist. At autopsy, no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death.

'The cause of death has been ruled as toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, Alprazolam, Methocarbamol, and Quetiapine. The manner of death has been ruled an accident.

'This case is administratively closed by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.'

Methocarbamol is a prescription muscle relaxant used to treat short-term muscle pain, while Quetiapine, commonly known by the brand name Seroquel, is an antipsychotic prescription medication used to treat conditions including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder.

Alprazolam, known as Xanax, is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, and 4-ANPP is a chemical used as a main building block to make illegal fentanyl.

Last week, insiders told TMZ that authorities believed Panettiere had fatally consumed a single oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl. 

Panettiere had a 'long time drug dealer' in Los Angeles who she obtained narcotics from illegally, with oxycodone among them, sources told the outlet.

Authorities said that the day prior to her passing, Panettiere had taken multiple drugs she bought in Los Angeles before flying to South Carolina, where she was found dead the next day.

Panettiere's rep said in a statement earlier this month, 'As reported yesterday by the Greenville County Coroner's Office, Hayden's death remains under investigation pending the completion of toxicology results, despite reports from some outlets stating otherwise.

'Recent reports attributed to unnamed sources are unverified hearsay and have attributed to conflicting information that continues to circulate.'

The statement continued: '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.'