Hayden Panettiere’s Death Ruled Accidental by Police

Actress Hayden Panettiere's death has been ruled accidental by police in South Carolina, with the case officially closed. The Greenville Police Department confirmed the ruling based on the Medical Examiner's findings and the investigation's results. The Greenville County Coroner's Office also determined her death was accidental due to the toxic effects of fentanyl and other drugs.

At autopsy, no signs of trauma were discovered. Her system contained traces of 4-ANPP, Alprazolam, Methocarbamol, and Quetiapine, according to the toxicology report. Panettiere, known for roles in "Heroes," "Nashville," "Remember the Titans," and the "Scream" franchise, was found unresponsive on August 16 in an apartment complex in South Carolina.

Her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach, were present at the scene and spoke with investigators after her death. Brian Hickerson was never named a suspect or subject in the investigation. Panettiere's father, Skip Panettiere, expressed profound sadness upon learning of her passing, asking for privacy as the family grieves.