Actress Hayden Panettiere dies at 36 in South Carolina, investigation ongoing

Hayden Panettiere, 36, was discovered in cardiac arrest at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday afternoon. Emergency personnel responded to a 911 call at about 1:51 p.m., performed CPR and administered Narcan, but she was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:32 p.m., according to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.

The coroner’s office reported no signs of trauma and said the official cause and manner of death have not yet been determined pending toxicology results. Federal drug-enforcement officials have joined the investigation, though authorities have not confirmed whether an overdose occurred.

Panettiere, who began her career as an infant in a commercial and later gained fame on shows such as "Heroes" and "Nashville," had recently discussed personal challenges in a memoir released in May 2026. In interviews she described ongoing health issues, including nerve damage and chronic pain, and recounted experiences of domestic violence.

Family members, including her former partner Wladimir Klitschko, issued statements expressing shock and grief. Colleagues such as Viola Davis, Kim Cattrall and Rosie O’Donnell posted tributes praising her talent.

The investigation continues as authorities await the results of toxicology testing to determine the factors contributing to Panettiere’s death.