Published September 24, 2026
Hayden Panettiere's sudden death came as a huge shock to her fans.
Following her death, there have been a number of speculations surrounding the Heroes actress's death, including the latest claims.
According to a new report, Hayden Panettiere was released from a drug rehabilitation facility just weeks before her death from an overdose.
Panettiere died aged 36 on August 16 at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, with her on-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach, both at the scene when Panettiere was pronounced dead.
After it was confirmed that Panettiere accidentally died from the 'toxic effects' of multiple drugs – including fentanyl – a report from The Greenville County Medical Examiner has shared their analysis on her final weeks.
Per the report obtained by Page Six, one of the two Hickerson brothers – both names are redacted in the report – Panettiere 'was in a drug rehab facility in Malibu, California, up until a few weeks ago.'
One of the brothers also claimed Panettiere had 'a long history of drug, alcohol and nitrous oxide abuse' and that he 'has had to administer Narcan to the decedent before.'
The same brother told the deputy coroner he 'was unsure whether Hayden had consumed illicit drugs in the last two days because she was very good at hiding them.'
Panettiere, best known for playing role on the hit NBC series, Heroes, passed away at the young age of 36, with police reportedly saying there were 'no signs of foul play.'