Actress Hayden Panettiere dies from suspected fentanyl-laced overdose, authorities investigate

Hayden Panettiere was found dead in a South Carolina apartment on Aug. 16, a day before her 37th birthday, after ingesting a single pill that investigators say was likely oxycodone contaminated with fentanyl, an opioid many times more potent than heroin. Law enforcement officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration in both Los Angeles and South Carolina are examining the circumstances and have indicated they are focusing on a potential drug dealer linked to the case.

Sources familiar with the investigation told TMZ that Panettiere had met with a known supplier in Los Angeles before traveling to South Carolina. Her former partner, Brian Hickerson, who was present on the flight and at the residence, has spoken with DEA officials, though details of his statements have not been disclosed. Police records note that a variety of medications were found at the scene, though the specific substances have been redacted.

The exact cause of death has not been officially released, and toxicology results are expected to take up to 12 weeks. Panettiere had previously discussed her struggles with opioid addiction, alcohol use, and postpartum depression in her memoir published earlier this year.

"If I didn’t stop drinking, I’d be dead within five years," she wrote, reflecting on health warnings she received.

Authorities continue to gather evidence as the investigation proceeds.