GREENVILLE, SC. (THECOUNT) — Hayden Panettiere, the actress best known for starring roles in “Heroes” and “Nashville,” was found dead Sunday inside a South Carolina residence after a friend called 911 to report that she was unresponsive and in cardiac arrest, according to law enforcement sources.
Panettiere was 36.
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Authorities said the emergency call was placed at approximately 1:51 p.m. Sunday from a home in Greenville, where the actress was reportedly found unresponsive.
Greenville police officers and emergency medical personnel responded to the residence after receiving the report. Paramedics began lifesaving measures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation and advanced cardiac life support.
According to information obtained by TMZ, dispatch audio indicated that responders were sent to the location for a person reportedly in cardiac arrest. The dispatch information also referenced an unresponsive woman and an apparent overdose, although authorities have not announced an official cause of death.
Paramedics performed chest compressions and used advanced cardiac life-support measures, which can include medications, airway management and monitoring of heart rhythm during an emergency.
Despite the efforts of emergency personnel, Panettiere could not be revived. She was pronounced dead at approximately 2:32 p.m.
It remains unclear who placed the emergency call. Panettiere’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, has not been identified by authorities as the person who contacted 911.
Police said there were no initial signs of foul play and that the circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death did not immediately appear suspicious.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office is expected to conduct an autopsy Monday. The examination is expected to help determine the cause and manner of death.
Until the autopsy and any additional testing are completed, an official cause of death has not been established.
Panettiere began working in television and film as a child and went on to build a career spanning television, movies and music.
She became widely known for playing cheerleader Claire Bennet on the NBC science-fiction drama “Heroes,” which premiered in 2006. The role made Panettiere a household name and earned her widespread recognition during the show’s run.
She later starred as Juliette Barnes on the ABC/CMT musical drama “Nashville,” portraying a country music performer navigating fame, relationships and personal struggles. The series became another defining role in her career.
Her film credits included “Remember the Titans,” “Raising Helen,” “Ice Princess” and “Scream 4,” among other productions.
Panettiere’s career began at a young age, with early television appearances leading to increasingly prominent roles in Hollywood.
Her death at 36 marks the loss of an actress whose career began in childhood and continued through some of television’s most recognizable dramas.
The investigation into Panettiere’s death remains ongoing, with the coroner’s autopsy expected to provide additional information regarding the circumstances surrounding her death.
Death Location: Greenville, South Carolina
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