The Drug Enforcement Administration is assisting South Carolina authorities as investigators work to determine what led to actress Hayden Panettiere’s death.
Panettiere, 36, died Sunday at a residence in Greenville. Local police remain in charge of the investigation and said they found no signs of foul play. The coroner has not yet determined her cause or manner of death.
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The New York Times reported that emergency crews found Panettiere in cardiac arrest and were unable to revive her.
According to TMZ, first responders discussed a possible overdose and reported that Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, was found at the residence.
A police report said officers could not determine whether Panettiere had been using drugs or alcohol. Brian Hickerson, her on-again, off-again boyfriend, showed police a bag containing medications she had been taking. In a recent memoir, Panettiere wrote about her history of mental health struggles and substance abuse.
Toxicology testing remains pending.
The DEA has assisted local authorities in other high-profile investigations into drug-related deaths. The agency also became involved after actor Matthew Perry died from a ketamine overdose in 2023. That investigation ultimately resulted in five convictions.
Panettiere was known for roles in “Heroes,” “Nashville” and the “Scream” films.
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