Greenville Police Close Case on 36-Year-Old Actress's Death

The Greenville Police Department closed its investigation into the death of actress Hayden Panettiere on Wednesday, declaring the event accidental. The agency stated that its work is now concluded following the release of medical examiner findings.

Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, in August. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and attempted life-saving measures before pronouncing her dead. Her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were present in the apartment when officers responded, according to a police report obtained by ABC News.

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office initially ruled the death an accidental overdose on Sept. 22. The autopsy identified the toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol, and quetiapine as the cause of death. The examination found no signs of trauma that contributed to the outcome. Fentanyl is the substance most likely to result in an overdose death within that combination.

Police continued their inquiry after the coroner released those findings. A statement from the department confirmed that the final ruling was based on the medical examiner’s determination and the department’s findings. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration had assisted police during the process.

Sources familiar with the matter told ABC News that the DEA’s investigation is believed to be ongoing. The federal agency may be looking into street-level drug dealers who potentially supplied substances to Panettiere. The police department’s announcement came more than a month after the coroner’s office issued its initial report.

Before her death, Panettiere spoke publicly about her experiences with addiction and recovery. She released a memoir titled This Is Me: A Reckoning in May, in which she discussed postpartum depression, trauma, and domestic abuse. She is survived by her daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with ex-fiance Wladimir Klitschko. A memorial service for the actress was held in Malibu in September and attended by approximately 80 friends.