Police Close Hayden Panettiere Death Investigation, Rule It Accidental

The Greenville, South Carolina police department announced Wednesday that it has closed its investigation into Hayden Panettiere's death and ruled it accidental. The decision follows a toxicology investigation that concluded in September.

"Based on the (coroner's office's) determination and the findings of the investigation, Hayden Panettiere's death has been ruled accidental. The Greenville Police Department has concluded its investigation," the police department told media outlets.

What did the coroner find?

The "Heroes" actress died Aug. 16. A toxicology investigation completed in September determined she died from the toxic effects of multiple substances.

"The cause of death has been ruled as toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, Alprazolam, Methocarbamol and Quetiapine," the coroner's official statement said in September. The statement added that there were "no signs of trauma" that would have contributed to the death.

Alprazolam is the generic name for Xanax; methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant; quetiapine is an antipsychotic. 4-ANPP is a fentanyl precursor and byproduct.

What happened on Aug. 16?

Emergency services responded around 1:51 p.m. on Aug. 16 to a report of an "unresponsive female," a police spokesperson said.

"Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered; however, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene," the spokesperson said.

Panettiere died at a rented loft. Her boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother Zach were present at the scene, according to reports on the investigation. Brian Hickerson spoke with investigators about who may have sold her the drugs.

Despite those inquiries, both the coroner and the police have now concluded the overdose was accidental. No charges have been announced in connection with the case.

What does the ruling change?

For the family, the closure ends the official questions surrounding the death. For the public record, it fixes the cause as an accidental polydrug toxicity — not trauma, not criminal homicide.

Her father, Skip Panettiere, announced her death with a statement.

"It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden," the statement read. "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."

The police department's Wednesday announcement marks the final procedural step: the file is closed, and no further investigation is pending.