DEA Assists Greenville Police in Hayden Panettiere Death Investigation
The Drug Enforcement Administration is supporting the Greenville, South Carolina police investigation into actress Hayden Panettiere's death, with the cause of death still pending.
The Drug Enforcement Administration has joined the Greenville City Police Department's investigation into the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, sources familiar with the matter said. Greenville police remain the lead agency, while the DEA is providing assistance.
According to a police report, officers responded to an EMS call at a private residence on Easley Bridge Road after a 911 call reported an unresponsive individual. Panettiere was found with her on-and-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother Zack Hickerson at the time of the incident.
The report noted that it is not yet known whether Panettiere had used drugs or alcohol, although Hickerson showed officers a bag of medication that Panettiere was prescribed. The coroner's office was on scene, and the official cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and additional studies.
Panettiere, 36, was known for roles in "Ice Princess," "Heroes," "Nashville" and other films and television series. She had recently published a memoir detailing personal struggles, including postpartum depression, addiction, trauma and domestic abuse.
ABC News contacted representatives for comment, but no response was received.