Hayden Panettiere’s cause of death has not yet been officially determined, according to authorities investigating the sudden death of the “Heroes” and “Nashville” actress. However, the Greenville County Coroner's Office said in a press release Monday that she was found in cardiac arrest prior to her death.
Panettiere died on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at age 36 after she was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina. Although emergency dispatch communications reportedly referenced a possible overdose, authorities have not announced that an overdose caused her death and it "remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies," the coroner's office added.
© Getty ImagesThe Greenville County Coroner’s Office completed an autopsy on August 17 and reported that there were no signs of trauma that contributed to Panettiere’s death. According to People’s report, responders "initiated advanced cardiac life support measures," but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful," and the actress was "pronounced deceased at 2:32 PM."
Authorities also informed that Panettiere had been "temporarily staying" at the residence where she was found.
What Authorities Said Happened to Hayden Panettiere
Police officers and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an “unresponsive female” at approximately 1:51 p.m. local time on August 16, according to information provided by the Greenville Police Department. The woman was subsequently identified as Panettiere.
© Getty ImagesDid Hayden Panettiere Die From an Overdose?
An overdose has not been confirmed as Hayden Panettiere’s official cause of death.
Reports about a possible overdose stem from emergency dispatch communications surrounding the response to the scene. Reuters similarly reported that a 911 report referenced authorities responding to an overdose.
However, an emergency dispatch description is not the same as a medical examiner or coroner’s final determination.
© Getty ImagesThe Greenville County Coroner’s Office has not announced that Panettiere died from an overdose. Toxicology and other testing can be part of determining a final cause of death, and authorities have said the investigation remains ongoing.
TMZ reported that sources in Greenville, SC, reveal that "Narcan was found in the apartment where she died."
Hayden Panettiere Died at Age 36
Panettiere was 36 when she died.
The actress had been working professionally since childhood and became widely recognized for playing Claire Bennet on NBC’s “Heroes.” She later starred as Juliette Barnes on the ABC and CMT drama “Nashville,” a performance that earned her two Golden Globe nominations.
Her film credits included “Remember the Titans,” “Bring It On: All or Nothing,” “Scream 4” and “Scream VI.”
© FilmMagicHer family confirmed her death, with her father, Alan “Skip” Panettiere, requesting privacy as the family mourns. Panettiere is survived by her daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko.
Her death comes three years after the death of her younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere. Jansen died in February 2023 at age 28. His family later said his death resulted from cardiomegaly, or an enlarged heart, coupled with aortic valve complications.
