Investigation Continues Into Actress Hayden Panettiere's Death on What Would Have Been Her 37th Birthday
Police say Hayden Panettiere died of cardiac arrest after a possible overdose, with no signs of foul play, as authorities and family members await autopsy results.
Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive at the Judson Mill Lofts apartment complex in Greenville, South Carolina, on Friday, Aug. 21, the day that would have marked her 37th birthday. Police responded to a 911 call that indicated the actress was in cardiac arrest, and a subsequent investigation has ruled out foul play. Authorities have not released an official cause of death, and a toxicology report is expected within three months, according to the Greenville County Coroner's Office.
Brian Hickerson, Panettiere's on-and-off boyfriend, issued a statement through his attorney saying he will not comment further out of respect for the investigation.
Former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko, who shares an 11-year-old daughter with Panettiere, posted a tribute on social media, thanking fans for their support and urging kindness.
Neutrogena, a brand with which Panettiere had a long-standing partnership, expressed sadness over her death and said it would invest in community health initiatives aimed at supporting women with postpartum depression.
Panettiere's mother, Lesley Vogel, confirmed that the actress's body has been returned to the family and that funeral arrangements are being planned, while also alleging that a "toxic individual" – identified in prior statements as Hickerson – was present at the time of death.