"Apparently an overdose": Details on the death of Hayden Panettiere at age 36
In the recording of the emergency call following the death of the actress, star of "Heroes" and "Nashville", rescue personnel can be heard referring to a suspicion of an overdose and cardiac arrest. Paramedics attempted to perform CPR, but her death was pronounced at the scene.
An investigation has been opened to clarify the circumstances surrounding the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, who was found lifeless in her home in South Carolina at the age of 36. In the recording of the emergency call, rescue personnel can be heard referring to a suspicion of an overdose and cardiac arrest, though the official cause of death has not yet been determined.
According to the recording, which reached US news outlets, emergency teams were summoned following a report of an unresponsive woman. A representative for the actress told PEOPLE: "I have no further information at this time, but it seems that is indeed the situation." Authorities later stated that preliminary autopsy results showed no signs of trauma that could have contributed to her death.
"Rescue forces and emergency medical teams arrived at the scene and found a woman in cardiac arrest," stated the Greenville County Coroner's Office. "The teams began performing CPR, but the efforts were unsuccessful, and her death was pronounced at 14:32. The cause and manner of death have not yet been determined, pending the completion of the investigation and additional tests." Greenville Police confirmed that an acquaintance of Panettiere made the emergency call and that no suspicious circumstances or signs of foul play have been found.
Panettiere, whose death has left Hollywood in shock, was set to celebrate her 37th birthday this week. She began her career as a child, with her major breakthrough coming in 2006 as Claire Bennet in the science fiction series "Heroes." Later, she starred for six seasons in the musical drama "Nashville" as country star Juliette Barnes, earning two Golden Globe nominations.
In recent years, Panettiere spoke openly about her struggles with opioid and alcohol addiction, as well as postpartum depression. In an interview published last May, she shared that she was in a good place and maintained a positive relationship with her daughter, Kaya, and her father.
Friends and colleagues have shared their condolences. Rosie O'Donnell wrote on Instagram: "Oh my God, my heart is broken." David Arquette, her co-star in "Scream 4," added: "I love you, Hayden." Viola Davis described her as "an old and wise soul with such a big heart," while "One Tree Hill" star Bethany Joy Lenz shared memories of Panettiere’s profound wisdom as a child, writing: "I don't understand how this is real. It seemed like everything was finally starting to change for the better."
