Hayden Panettiere death ruled accidental fentanyl overdose

What the coroner found

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office listed fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol and quetiapine as contributing substances in Panettiere’s death. The office ruled the manner of death an accident and said there were no signs of trauma that contributed to it.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid. 4-ANPP is a chemical intermediate used in illegal fentanyl production. Alprazolam is the generic name for Xanax, while methocarbamol is a prescription muscle relaxant and quetiapine is used to treat several mental health conditions.

Panettiere was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, after a 911 call described a possible cardiac arrest. Emergency responders attempted resuscitation, but she was pronounced dead at age 36 on Aug. 16. Greenville police said no foul play was suspected, while the investigation continued.

Panettiere’s career and addiction struggles

Panettiere became known for playing Claire Bennet on the television series “Heroes” and Juliette Barnes on “Nashville.” She also appeared in “Scream 4” and “Scream VI.” Her work on “Nashville” brought two Golden Globe nominations, according to Variety.

She wrote about addiction, alcohol use and postpartum depression in her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” published in May. The BBC reported that Panettiere had described being introduced to drugs at about 16 and later struggling with drug and alcohol use. She had also spoken about entering treatment while working on “Nashville.”

Friends gather in Malibu

The new ruling came after a memorial service in Malibu, where about 80 friends gathered over the weekend to remember Panettiere. ABC News reported that the ceremony included music, memories, laughter and tears.

“Nashville” co-star Connie Britton attended, along with Evan Ross and Ruby Rose, according to ABC News. Panettiere’s representative, Kasey Kitchen, said the gathering was organized with friends Sanoe Lake, Allie Beattie and Emily Buckingham.

The coroner’s findings clarify the medical cause of death after the memorial took place, while police have continued their investigation. Panettiere’s representatives had previously said the case remained under investigation while toxicology results were pending, ABC News reported.