Investigation Into Hayden Panettiere’s Death Focuses on Los Angeles
Federal authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the death of actor Hayden Panettiere. The investigation centers on Los Angeles, where the focus is on whether she obtained nonprescription pills from a local dealer.
Drug Enforcement Administration agents, along with local investigators, have interrogated several individuals linked to her death on August 16. They are focusing on reports that Panettiere consumed counterfeit oxycodone before passing away in a Greenville, South Carolina apartment. Sources say these counterfeit pills might have contained fentanyl, a substance that can be lethal even in small doses.
The probe reflects previous investigations into the deaths of actor Matthew Perry and rapper Mac Miller, both leading to charges against their drug suppliers.
Following reports from TMZ suggesting Panettiere ingested a fentanyl-laced pill, the Greenville County coroner stated that toxicology results are pending, and the cause or manner of death hasn’t been confirmed.
First responders located Panettiere in cardiac arrest. Broadcastify.com recordings hint at an overdose, with CPR efforts underway. Narcan was used in attempts to revive her, but she was pronounced dead at 2:31 p.m.
Brian Hickerson, her boyfriend present at the scene, handed investigators a bag containing medications. Authorities noted that while Panettiere lived in Los Angeles, Hickerson was originally from Greenville.
Sloan Ellis, attorney for Hickerson, issued a statement: “Hayden’s death remains under investigation, and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed. As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play. Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”
In similar cases, legal actions were taken where suppliers faced convictions. Charges were filed against those who provided drugs to Perry, including ketamine, and Miller, with cocaine and fentanyl-laced oxycodone. Perry’s death involved his assistant, two doctors, a producer, and a woman nicknamed the “Ketamine Queen” who pled guilty.