Greenville police concluded that actress Hayden Panettiere died accidentally
The Greenville Police Department in South Carolina said actress Hayden Panettiere’s death was accidental and that it had closed its investigation. Panettiere, 36, died Aug. 16. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office attributed her death to toxic effects of five drugs, including fentanyl. CNN reported investigators had examined whether she obtained illicit and possibly counterfeit drugs from a Southern California dealer.
More context
On Wednesday, the Greenville Police Department in South Carolina said it had wrapped up its inquiry, concluding that actress Hayden Panettiere’s death was accidental. “Based on the Medical Examiner’s determination and the findings of the investigation, Hayden Panettiere’s death has been ruled accidental,” the department said, adding that it had concluded its investigation.
Panettiere, 36, known for “Heroes” and “Nashville,” died Aug. 16 in Greenville. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office determined in September that she died from the toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol and quetiapine. CNN reported investigators had examined whether she obtained illicit, possibly counterfeit drugs from a dealer in Southern California. The Drug Enforcement Administration had joined the investigation, but a Greenville police spokesperson told CNN she could not say whether any other agency remained involved.
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Reporting
- NBC News — Hayden Panettiere’s death is ruled accidental, and police investigation is closed
- Deadline — Hayden Panettiere Death Investigation Closed By Police
- Variety — Hayden Panettiere’s Overdose Death Investigation Closed by Police
- CNN — Hayden Panettiere death investigation closed by police in South Carolina | CNN
- ABC7 Chicago — Hayden Panettiere's death ruled accidental by police - ABC7 Chicago
- LiveNOW from FOX — Hayden Panettiere's death ruled accidental by police | LiveNOW from FOX
- Page Six — Hayden Panettiere’s death investigation closed after accidental overdose
Verifier’s note
NBC News, Deadline, Variety, CNN, ABC News (carried by ABC7 Chicago), LiveNOW from Fox, and Page Six report that police ruled Panettiere’s death accidental and closed the investigation. These reports were published on October 28, 2026, and agree on the central claim.