Hayden Panettiere’s cause of death confirmed as fentanyl overdose

Actress Hayden Panettiere passed away on August 16 due to toxic effects of fentanyl and other substances, according to the Greenville County Coroner's Office in South Carolina. The manner of death was ruled an accident. Panettiere, best known for her roles in "Heroes" and "Nashville," was found unresponsive at a Greenville apartment and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Medics attempted to revive her but were unsuccessful. Panettiere had openly discussed her struggles with mental health and substance abuse throughout her career, which began when she was just a baby. Her recent memoir and public discussions about losing her brother showcased her ongoing battle with postpartum depression. Her ex-partner, Wladimir Klitschko, paid tribute to her and promised to ensure their daughter Kaya would always remember her.

Panettiere was temporarily staying in the Greenville apartment at the time of her death and had been residing in California. Her boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother Zach called 911 after discovering her unresponsive state.