Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles in Heroes, Nashville and the Scream franchise, was found dead on Sunday at the age of 36. According to a newly released police report, both her boyfriend and his brother were at the scene when first responders arrived.
Hayden Panettiere was found dead at the Judson Mill Lofts Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina. Emergency services were called at around 1:50 p.m. in response to a report of an “unidentified female” in cardiac arrest.
Efforts were made to save Panettiere, including chest compressions and advanced cardiac life support, but unfortunately, it was too late.
“Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered; however, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene,” police said in a statement, according to Page Six.
“The case is under investigation by the Greenville Police Department in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office. The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An acquaintance of Ms. Panettiere placed the 911 call.”
Hayden Panettiere’s cause of death still not confirmed
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that an autopsy was performed, but the cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
In a statement, coroner Mike Ellis said, “At autopsy, no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death. The cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies. This investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details are available for release at this time.”
The police report also confirms that Panettiere’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother were at the scene when first responders arrived. According to the report, his brother Zach appeared “very emotional,” while officials described Brian as showing no emotion.
Her boyfriend was at the scene
The couple had traveled from Los Angeles to South Carolina on Saturday, August 15, the day before her death. As Panettiere was pronounced dead, Hickerson reportedly gave officers a “bag of medication,” which he said she had taken at the time of her death, according to VT.
Hickerson’s history with Panettiere also adds further context to the newly released report. In May 2019, he was arrested and charged with felony domestic violence against Panettiere, a conviction he recently tried to have expunged. A judge rejected his attempt three days before Panettiere tragically died.
He pleaded no contest in 2021 and was later sentenced to 45 days in prison and four years’ probation. A five-year restraining order was also issued. Despite this, the couple eventually got back together.
Now, with the circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death still under investigation, authorities have not released a confirmed cause or manner of death. The autopsy found no signs of trauma that contributed to her death, while police have said the preliminary investigation has not indicated foul play or suspicious circumstances.
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