The entertainment world is mourning the sudden loss of actress Hayden Panettiere, who passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the age of 36. The Heroes and Nashville star was found unresponsive at an apartment complex in Greenville, South Carolina, after a friend called 911.
New details from the emergency dispatch audio have raised questions about what led to her death. Reports indicate that first responders mentioned both a possible overdose and cardiac arrest while trying to save her. However, officials have not yet confirmed an official cause of death.
Here is everything we know about the 911 call, the emergency response, and the ongoing investigation.
911 Call Details: What Happened on August 16
According to law enforcement officials, an acquaintance of Panettiere placed a 911 call at approximately 1:51 PM on Sunday afternoon. The caller reported that the actress was unresponsive inside a residence at the Judson Mill Lofts in Greenville, South Carolina.
Dispatch audio obtained by multiple news outlets, including TMZ and PEOPLE, reveals that emergency responders discussed a possible “overdose” and “cardiac arrest” while on their way to the scene. One dispatcher can be heard mentioning, “Overdose … CPR in progress”.
The Greenville Police Department and Emergency Medical Services arrived quickly and found Panettiere in cardiac arrest. Paramedics immediately started advanced cardiac life support measures, which include chest compressions, breathing support, and medication. Despite their efforts, they could not revive her.
She was pronounced dead at 2:32 PM that afternoon.
Did Hayden Panettiere Die from an Overdose or Cardiac Arrest?
The short answer is: authorities have not officially determined the cause of death yet.
While the 911 audio mentions both overdose and cardiac arrest, these are initial observations from dispatchers and first responders—not a final medical ruling. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office completed an autopsy on Monday, August 17, but the results are still pending.
“At autopsy no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death. The cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies.” – Coroner Mike Ellis in an official statement.
A key detail from the investigation is that Narcan—a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses—was reportedly found at the scene. This has led to speculation that an overdose may have played a role. However, officials have stressed that the investigation is ongoing and no final conclusions have been made.
It could take up to three months for the full autopsy and toxicology reports to be completed.
Police Confirm No Signs of Foul Play
The Greenville Police Department has made it clear that they do not suspect foul play in Panettiere’s death.
“The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An acquaintance of Ms. Panettiere placed the 911 call.” – Greenville Police Department spokesperson.
Authorities have not identified the person who made the 911 call. Reports indicate that Panettiere was with her former boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, at the time of her death. It is unclear whether he was the one who called emergency services.
Hickerson had previously pleaded no contest in 2021 to two felony counts of injuring Panettiere. He has not commented publicly on her passing.
Hayden Panettiere’s Ongoing Health Struggles
Panettiere had been open about her battles with addiction and mental health for many years. In her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, released in May 2026, she detailed her struggles with alcohol and opioid addiction, postpartum depression, and trauma.
She had spoken about how childhood stardom and personal challenges led her to rely on substances to cope with emotional and physical pain. In a 2022 interview, she said:
“I didn’t know where the alcoholism was ending and the postpartum was beginning. And I ran myself pretty ragged.” – Hayden Panettiere to Good Morning America.
In the months before her death, Panettiere had been dealing with severe back problems and was seen using crutches. A close friend and hairdresser, Erick Orellana, said she was “starting to be on the mend” in the weeks before her passing.
A Career That Inspired Millions
Hayden Panettiere started acting as a child and became a household name for her role as Claire Bennet on NBC’s Heroes—the cheerleader with the power to heal. She later earned two Golden Globe nominations for her performance as country singer Juliette Barnes on the drama series Nashville.
She also appeared in major films like Remember the Titans, Scream 4, Scream VI, Bring It On: All or Nothing, and Ice Princess. Her final project was the 2026 psychological thriller Sleepwalker.
Panettiere’s death comes just days before what would have been her 37th birthday on August 21. She is survived by her daughter, Kaya Klitschko, born in 2014, and her father, Skip Panettiere.
Her father released a statement following her death:
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen.” – Skip Panettiere.
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What Happens Next?
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office continues to investigate the exact cause and manner of Panettiere’s death. While the autopsy showed no signs of trauma, officials are waiting for additional studies and toxicology results before making a final determination.
For now, the official cause of death remains undetermined. The public and fans are urged to wait for the coroner’s final report rather than speculate based on unconfirmed reports.
Also Read: Hayden Panettiere’s Net Worth and Family: Parents, Ex-Fiancé Wladimir Klitschko, and Daughter Kaya
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