Report suggests fentanyl-laced oxycodone may have caused Hayden Panettiere's death
Authorities are investigating a possible link between a fentanyl-contaminated oxycodone pill and the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, while toxicology results remain pending.
Investigators are examining whether a fentanyl-laced oxycodone tablet contributed to the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, who was found unresponsive in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that Panettiere had obtained black-market prescription drugs from a longtime dealer in Los Angeles, and that she took several of those pills during a flight to South Carolina the day before she died.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office confirmed that first responders found Panettiere in cardiac arrest and that resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful. A preliminary autopsy reported no signs of trauma, and officials said the cause and manner of death remain under investigation pending toxicology results. The Drug Enforcement Administration has joined a multi-agency probe into the dealer’s activities and the source of the alleged fentanyl-contaminated pill.
Police statements indicated that an acquaintance called 911 after finding Panettiere unresponsive at the Judson Mill Lofts apartment complex. Officers noted that she showed no obvious physical reasons for unresponsiveness and that an individual present administered Narcan before paramedics arrived. The investigation is ongoing, and no foul play has been identified.
Panettiere, 36, was known for roles on "Heroes" and "Nashville" and had recently published a memoir discussing personal challenges. SAG-AFTRA released a statement expressing condolences to her family, friends and fans.