How did Hayden Panettiere die? Preliminary inquiry reveals new details
The 36-year-old actress was found dead at a South Carolina apartment on Sunday afternoon
Published August 17, 2026
Hayden Panettiere’s final moments are coming into clearer focus as authorities investigate her sudden death at 36.
The Heroes and Nashville star was found unresponsive at a South Carolina apartment on Sunday, August 15, with an unnamed “acquaintance” making the 911 call. The preliminary investigation thus far paints a picture of no foul play.
A Greenville police spokesperson told NBC News, “The case is under investigation by the Greenville Police Department in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office. The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An acquaintance of Ms. Panettiere placed the 911 call.”
Furthermore, dispatch audio obtained by People magazine includes officials discussing a potential “overdose” and “cardiac arrest”
According to TMZ, first responders arrived at 1:50 p.m. and attempted to revive Panettiere using “advanced cardiac life support,” which included CPR, medications, breathing support and heart-rhythm monitoring. Paramedics continued chest compressions, but she could not be revived and was pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m.
Panettiere had recently travelled from Los Angeles with her on-again, off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson, per TMZ.
The Scream alum is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with former heavyweight boxer Wladimir Klitschko. In 2018, Panettiere made the “difficult decision” to grant full custody of her daughter to Klitschko due to her own struggles with depression and substance abuse.
