Hayden Panettiere Died From Toxic Effects of Fentanyl, Coroner Confirms

Hayden Panettiere, the actress known for her roles in Heroes, Nashville and Scream 4, died from the toxic effects of fentanyl and several other drugs, according to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office in South Carolina.

The coroner’s findings, released Tuesday, September 22, 2026, determined that the 36-year-old actress’s death was accidental. The report said toxic effects from fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol and quetiapine contributed to her death. No signs of trauma were found during the autopsy.

Panettiere was found unresponsive at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16. Emergency responders attempted resuscitation for more than 40 minutes before she was pronounced dead. Her death initially remained under investigation while toxicology testing and other examinations were completed.

The actress’s death had previously prompted an investigation involving Greenville police and federal authorities. The Los Angeles Times reported before the toxicology results were released that investigators were examining whether Panettiere had obtained counterfeit pills, including pills described as counterfeit oxycodone, from a Los Angeles-area source. Authorities had not publicly established at that time that such pills caused her death.

The coroner’s determination now confirms that fentanyl was among the substances involved. Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid, and illicitly manufactured pills can contain unpredictable amounts of the drug.

Panettiere’s publicist told The Associated Press that the investigation remained ongoing and described the case as complex. Greenville Police also confirmed that their investigation was continuing, meaning the coroner’s ruling does not necessarily mark the end of inquiries into how the drugs came into her possession.

Panettiere rose to international fame as a child actress before becoming widely known for playing Claire Bennet in the television series Heroes. She later starred as Juliette Barnes in Nashville, where she also performed music, and appeared in films including Remember the Titans and Scream 4.

In her memoir, This Is Me, released earlier in 2026, Panettiere discussed her experiences with addiction, postpartum depression and the pressures associated with growing up in the entertainment industry. She had previously spoken publicly about entering rehabilitation while working on Nashville.