Authorities in Greenville, South Carolina, are continuing their investigation into the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, who passed away at the age of 36. Her representative confirmed the news on Sunday, August 16, following her discovery at the Judson Mill Lofts.
Greenville Police Sgt. Jonathan Bragg stated that officers and emergency medical personnel were dispatched to the apartment complex at 701 Easley Bridge Road around 1:51 p.m. after receiving a 911 call from an acquaintance. Despite immediate efforts to provide medical assistance, Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene.
While the investigation is ongoing, officials have indicated that there are no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. Greenville County Coroner Mike Ellis confirmed that an autopsy was performed on August 17, noting that the actress showed no signs of physical trauma that would have contributed to her death. A definitive cause and manner of death remain pending further studies and investigation.
According to 911 dispatch audio reported by TMZ, responders initially referenced a possible overdose and cardiac arrest. Coroner Ellis verified that first responders found Panettiere in cardiac arrest and attempted advanced cardiac life support measures, though these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
In a statement shared by her representative, the actress’s father, Skip Panettiere, expressed the family’s profound grief. He described his daughter as an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immense joy to those who knew her and to the millions of fans who followed her career.
Panettiere, who began her acting career as a child, gained widespread recognition for her roles in Remember the Titans, Ally McBeal, and the Disney film Ice Princess. She later achieved breakout success on NBC’s Heroes and starred as a country-pop singer in over 100 episodes of the series Nashville. She also authored the memoir This Is Me: A Reckoning, which was released earlier this year.
Following the news of her death, CBS Mornings host Gayle King shared reflections on her recent interview with the actress. King, who spoke with Panettiere in May regarding her memoir, noted that the actress had expressed feeling like she was in a good place. However, King also acknowledged the emotional weight Panettiere carried from personal struggles, including the decision to relinquish custody of her daughter, Kaya, in 2014.
Throughout her life, Panettiere was open about her challenges, including battles with alcohol and opioid addiction, as well as her experience with postpartum depression. She is survived by her daughter and her parents. Her passing follows the death of her younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, who died in 2023 at the age of 28.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, support is available through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). The report also notes that new details surrounding the death of Hayden Panettiere are emerging as authorities continue to investigate what caused the actress’ death at 36. The report also notes that 16, the Greenville Police Department confirmed to. The report also notes that 17, per Ellis, but cause of death details “remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies. The report also notes that it was hard when she was here that day,” King reflected. The report also notes that and I was talking to her off camera, she was saying she felt that she was in a good place, when she was here in the studio that day. The report also notes that to wake up to hear this news was really tough,” King said. The report also notes that this story has been updated to add new information. The report also notes that contributing: Anika Reed and Edward Segarra,; Jose Franco, Joyce Orlando, Terry Benjamin II and Ruth Cronin, Greenville News.