Hayden Panettiere died from fentanyl mix; drugs and syringes found at Greenville Airbnb

Actress Hayden Panettiere, 36, died on 16 August from a mixture of fentanyl and other substances at a Greenville, SC Airbnb. Investigators found drugs and syringes at the scene.

Fentanyl, pressed pills and syringes: what investigators found in Panettiere's Greenville apartment

Investigators found fentanyl and drug paraphernalia among the personal belongings of actress Hayden Panettiere after she was discovered unresponsive at a Greenville, South Carolina apartment on 16 August, nytimes.com reports, citing a detailed account from the Greenville County Coroner's Office.

A senior deputy found a small, clear plastic bag containing a white powdery substance inside a grey sunglasses case in a suitcase belonging to Panettiere. A cut straw with residue was recovered from a small blue makeup bag inside a black backpack or purse also belonging to her.

On the kitchen table, investigators found a medication bottle labelled Adderall. Inside was a small clear plastic bag containing blue tablets that appeared to be pressed pills, along with a cut straw. A detective later confirmed that the pills and straws tested positive for fentanyl. Multiple other prescription bottles were also found on the same table.

A small teal lunchbox containing glass vials and both prefilled and empty syringes was discovered inside the refrigerator, according to the coroner's report.

Cause of death ruled accidental

On 22 September, the Greenville County Coroner's Office confirmed that Panettiere, 36, died from a mixture of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, Alprazolam, Methocarbamol, and Quetiapine. The manner of death has been ruled an accident.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used to relieve pain. Alprazolam — sold under the brand name Xanax — is prescribed to treat anxiety. Methocarbamol is used to treat discomfort caused by acute muscle or bone conditions, according to the Mayo Clinic. Quetiapine is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.

The day she died

Panettiere had flown to Greenville from Los Angeles the day before her death and was staying at the Judson Mill Lofts through an Airbnb rental. A 911 call was received at approximately 1:51 p.m. on 16 August, after which first responders found her in cardiac arrest. EMS and firefighters performed CPR for around 30 minutes. She was pronounced dead at 2:31 p.m.

Upon arrival, responders described Panettiere as having a purple discoloration. An autopsy completed the following day, 17 August, found no signs of trauma that contributed to her death.

According to the coroner's report, Panettiere had been in a drug rehabilitation facility in Malibu, California, until a few weeks before her death. A redacted name, assumed to be her boyfriend Brian Hickerson, was noted as being unaware of her using any illegal substances on the day of her death or the day prior, but stated she was "very good at hiding them."

Boyfriend's brother speaks out

A responding officer encountered Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson, at the apartment. The incident report noted that Zach Hickerson "was observed to be very emotional while EMS was working on Hayden," while Brian Hickerson "did not become emotional until EMS officially declared her deceased." Brian Hickerson showed the officer a "bag of medicine" Panettiere had been taking; the specific medications were redacted from the report.

Surveillance footage from the apartment complex captured Panettiere and the Hickerson brothers "coming and going" before her death, according to a courtesy officer at the complex.

Zach Hickerson subsequently shared a statement with TMZ describing the events leading to the 911 call. He said that when he and Brian attempted to wake Panettiere for lunch, they found her unconscious. "Brian gave her Narcan," Zach Hickerson stated, adding that "we jointly performed CPR while 911 was on speaker until Fire and EMS arrived."

Zach Hickerson said he decided to speak publicly because "there are a lot of assumptions, speculations, and accusations currently swirling. The truth will come out as the authorities complete and release additional details from the investigation, and that is important because the people who loved and adored Hayden deserve the truth."

He told TMZ he had left church, texted Brian and Hayden, assumed they had fallen back asleep, and drove to the Airbnb when he received no reply. He knew the building entry code but not the Airbnb door code, and knocked loudly until Brian answered.

Investigation ongoing

The Greenville Police Department, the Greenville County Coroner's Office, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration are jointly investigating Panettiere's death. Authorities have said there are no indications of foul play.

In a statement released after the coroner's office published its report, police said detectives are continuing to pursue leads and gather evidence. "The Coroner's Office report represents one component of the ongoing investigation," the department said. "Our detectives will continue to follow leads and gather information as we work toward resolving this case." Police added that no additional details are being released at this time.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)