Greenville police close case on actor Hayden Panettiere's death

The Greenville Police Department announced on Tuesday that it has closed its investigation into the death of actress Hayden Panettiere. Officials stated that the death is classified as accidental based on the medical examiner's findings and the department's own review of the evidence.

Toxicology reports identified fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol, and quetiapine in Panettiere's system. The coroner's office determined that the toxic effects of these substances caused her death. An autopsy revealed no signs of trauma that contributed to the outcome.

Panettiere, 36, was discovered unresponsive in an apartment in Greenville on Aug. 16. Dispatchers received a 911 call regarding a woman in cardiac arrest at 1:51 p.m. Paramedics pronounced her dead at 2:32 p.m. She was staying temporarily at the location at the time.

Brian Hickerson, Panettiere's on-and-off boyfriend, and his brother Zach Hickerson were present at the apartment when she died. The coroner's office had previously closed its file after establishing the cause and manner of death. Police maintained an independent investigation to follow remaining leads before reaching their final conclusion.

Known for her roles in the television series "Heroes" and "Nashville" as well as the "Scream" film franchise, Panettiere published a memoir titled "This Is Me: A Reckoning" in May. In the book, she discussed her struggles with alcohol, opioids, and postpartum depression.