Hayden Panettiere’s cause of death revealed: What coroner found
Hayden Panettiere (photo: Getty Images)
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office in South Carolina has officially determined the cause of death of American actress Hayden Panettiere. She died from the toxic effects of fentanyl and several other substances, according to a statement from the coroner quoted by the Associated Press.
What the toxicology report showed
According to the official report, fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol, and quetiapine were found in the actress’s system.
“The cause of death was determined to be the toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol and quetiapine. The death was ruled an accident,” the coroner’s statement said.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid. 4-ANPP is a chemical byproduct associated with the production of fentanyl.
Alprazolam, also known by the brand name Xanax, is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.
Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant prescribed for muscle spasms, while quetiapine is an antipsychotic medication used to treat a range of mental health disorders.
The exact concentrations of the substances found were not specified in the first report made public.
Circumstances of the actress’s death
Hayden Panettiere died on August 16, 2026, in Greenville, where she was temporarily staying. She was 36 years old.
An emergency call was received at approximately 1:51 p.m. reporting cardiac arrest.
Hayden Panettiere (photo: Getty Images)
Medics performed resuscitation efforts, but they were unable to save the actress. Her death was pronounced at 2:32 p.m.
During the autopsy, specialists found no signs of injuries that could have caused or contributed to her death.
Police also said that the preliminary investigation did not indicate a crime or suspicious circumstances.
At the same time, law enforcement officers continue to establish all the details of the case.
What Hayden Panettiere was known for
Hayden Panettiere began her acting career as a child. She gained worldwide fame as Claire Bennet in the series "Heroes."
She also played Juliette Barnes in the series Nashville, a role for which she was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards. Among the actress’s other notable works are the films Remember the Titans, Scream 4 , and Scream 6.
