GREENVILLE, SC. (THECOUNT) — Actress Hayden Panettiere, 36, may have died after taking a counterfeit oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl, according to law-enforcement sources cited in a new report, as federal and South Carolina investigators continue examining the circumstances of her death.
Panettiere was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday, August 16. First responders attempted to revive her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
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The actress, known for her roles in “Heroes,” “Nashville,” “Ice Princess” and the “Scream” film franchise, had been staying at the residence with her boyfriend, Brian Hickerson.
According to TMZ, multiple law-enforcement sources with direct knowledge of the investigation believe Panettiere took one fatal pill the morning of her death. Investigators reportedly suspect the pill was oxycodone obtained on the black market and contaminated with fentanyl.
The sources said Panettiere had a longtime drug dealer in Los Angeles who allegedly supplied her with several black-market prescription medications, including oxycodone. Investigators reportedly believe she took other drugs purchased from the dealer during a flight from Los Angeles to South Carolina the day before her death.
Authorities are now attempting to reconstruct the chain of events and determine whether a suspected drug supplier provided the pill that caused Panettiere’s death. The Drug Enforcement Administration is reportedly examining the relationship between Panettiere and the Los Angeles dealer and working to trace the source of the suspected counterfeit medication.
The DEA became involved in the investigation in August, with Greenville police remaining the lead local agency. Reports indicate that federal agents in both Los Angeles and South Carolina are assisting with the probe.
Panettiere’s official cause and manner of death have not been released. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office previously reported that an autopsy found no signs of trauma that contributed to her death. Toxicology results remained pending in the latest reports, and investigators cautioned that the suspected fentanyl-laced pill theory could not be confirmed until those results and additional testing are completed.
Authorities have not publicly identified a drug dealer as a suspect, and no person has been charged in connection with Panettiere’s death.
When officers and emergency personnel arrived at the apartment, Hickerson reportedly provided police with a bag containing medications Panettiere had been taking. Portions of the police report concerning the medications and statements made during the emergency response were redacted.
Hickerson also administered Narcan to Panettiere before paramedics arrived, according to reports. The opioid-overdose reversal medication was administered in an unsuccessful effort to save her life.
Hickerson has reportedly spoken with DEA investigators as part of the ongoing death investigation. His attorney previously asked the public to allow authorities to complete the case and said there would be no further comment while the investigation remained active.
Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were also involved in a separate police encounter in Greenville over the weekend. Newly released video showed both men being detained outside Wild Wing Cafe after an alleged altercation with other patrons.
Greenville police said Zach was highly intoxicated and arrested him on a disorderly-conduct allegation after he allegedly yelled obscenities in public. He was later released. Brian was handcuffed during the encounter but was ultimately uncuffed and released without being charged, according to reports.
Video from the incident showed Zach questioning officers about why people he claimed had assaulted Brian had not been arrested. He also asked officers to take him to jail and told Brian that they were “in this together.”
The new developments have drawn comparisons to the deaths of rapper Mac Miller and actor Matthew Perry, whose cases led to criminal investigations into people accused of supplying drugs connected to their deaths. Those comparisons do not establish that a criminal offense occurred in Panettiere’s case.
Panettiere’s family and representatives have not publicly confirmed the suspected fentanyl-laced pill theory. The final toxicology findings and any additional investigative conclusions are expected to determine whether drugs caused her death and whether criminal charges are warranted.
Panettiere leaves behind her daughter, Kaya, from her previous relationship with former professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko.
Greenville is the seat of Greenville County in northwestern South Carolina, approximately 100 miles west of Columbia and part of the larger Upstate South Carolina region. Panettiere was found at an apartment in Greenville, where the local police department and county coroner are leading the death investigation with assistance from the DEA.
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