LOS ANGELES, Aug 18 — Hayden Panettiere’s cause of death remains undetermined after an autopsy found no signs of trauma that contributed to the Heroes and Nashville star’s sudden death aged 36.
The actress was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday, after an acquaintance called 911 at about 1.51pm.
Emergency crews found Panettiere in cardiac arrest and performed advanced cardiac life support, but she was pronounced dead at 2.32pm.
Greenville County coroner Mike Ellis said an autopsy had been carried out and found no trauma contributing to her death.
The cause and manner of death remain pending while additional studies are completed.
Police have previously said there was no evidence of foul play or suspicious circumstances, while authorities said the investigation remains active.
Further details have since emerged about the emergency response.
Dispatch audio obtained by US media reportedly included references to a possible “overdose” and cardiac arrest, although officials have not determined that an overdose caused Panettiere’s death.
TMZ reported that Narcan — the opioid-overdose reversal medication naloxone — was found inside the residence, along with a device used to administer it.
The outlet also reported that epinephrine, or adrenaline, was used as emergency crews attempted to revive her.
The reported presence of Narcan does not establish a cause of death, which remains subject to the coroner’s investigation and further testing.
A neighbour identified by local television station WYFF as Micah Lee recalled hearing “just a bunch of commotion in the hallway” as emergency crews arrived.
“The halls are pretty hollow, so noise echoes throughout. And I had just heard about someone collapsing. And then afterwards there was talk about cardiac arrest. I can't confirm any of that. That's just what I've heard,” he told the outlet.
Panettiere’s death was announced by her family through her representative.
Her father, Alan “Skip” Panettiere, said: “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden.”
“She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her - and to the millions who watched her onscreen.”
The family asked for privacy as they mourn.
Her death came three months after the publication of her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, in May.
The book addressed Panettiere’s experiences as a child star as well as addiction and recovery, postpartum depression, abusive relationships and the death of her younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, who died aged 28 in 2023.
Panettiere had previously spoken publicly about her struggles with alcohol and opioid addiction.
She rose to international fame playing cheerleader Claire Bennet in NBC superhero drama Heroes from 2006 to 2010, before starring as country singer Juliette Barnes in Nashville from 2012 to 2018, a role that earned her two Golden Globe nominations.
Her film credits included Remember the Titans, Scream 4 and Scream VI, while her most recent film role was in the 2026 psychological thriller Sleepwalker.
Panettiere is survived by her 11-year-old daughter Kaya, whom she shared with former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko, the Ukrainian former heavyweight boxing world champion.
