Hayden Panettiere Death Ruled Accidental, Fentanyl Cited

Hayden Panettiere's death was ruled accidental from the toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol and quetiapine. Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive Aug. 16 at a Greenville, South Carolina apartment after a 911 call reporting cardiac arrest or possible overdose. Emergency responders could not resuscitate her. A Greenville County Coroner's Office spokesperson said an autopsy by a board-certified forensic pathologist found no trauma that contributed to death, the manner was accident, and the case is administratively closed. Police had reported no foul play. Brian Hickerson and Zach Hickerson were at the property when she was pronounced dead. CONTESTED: TMZ reported investigators believed she took a single oxycodone pill contaminated with fentanyl, had a long-time drug dealer in Los Angeles, and had taken several drugs purchased there the day before traveling to South Carolina. Panettiere's representative called unnamed-source reports unverified hearsay that circulated conflicting information, said the death remained under investigation pending toxicology, and stated "the answers we are all seeking will come." Sloan Ellis said Hayden's death remained under investigation and it was important to allow that investigation to proceed. The coroner's office has now administratively closed its case.