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Hayden Panettiere dies at 36 as authorities investigate cause of death

Emergency crews responded to a cardiac arrest in South Carolina, while federal and local officials look into the circumstances surrounding the former child star's death.

The short version

  • Actress Hayden Panettiere died suddenly at age 36 in Greenville, South Carolina.
  • First responders treated Panettiere for cardiac arrest, and police dispatch recordings noted efforts to revive her from a suspected overdose.
  • An autopsy showed no physical trauma, but an official cause of death is awaiting further test results as the DEA assists in the inquiry.

Key facts

  • Hayden Panettiere died at the age of 36 after emergency personnel responded to a cardiac arrest call in Greenville, South Carolina.[BBC News]
  • The local coroner's office reported that an initial autopsy showed no signs of trauma on Panettiere's body.[BBC News]
  • Police dispatch audio and emergency responder communications referenced resuscitation efforts following a possible overdose.[BBC News]
  • The US Drug Enforcement Agency has joined the investigation into the circumstances of Panettiere's death.[BBC News]
  • Panettiere's former boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother were present when responders arrived, and authorities stated there is no suspicion of wrongdoing on their part.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • The official cause of death has not been determined, pending the completion of additional toxicology and medical tests.[BBC News]
  • It remains unverified whether drugs or alcohol contributed to her death.[BBC News]

Sources