The investigation into the death of actress Hayden Panettiere remains ongoing, with her representative urging the public not to rely on unverified reports about the circumstances surrounding her passing.
Panettiere, known for roles in Heroes, Nashville and the Scream film series, died in South Carolina last month at the age of 36.
Her representative said recent reports about the cause of death were based on unnamed sources and should not be treated as confirmed information. The statement came after reports suggested investigators were examining whether she had taken a counterfeit oxycodone pill that may have contained fentanyl.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office has said that toxicology results are still pending. An autopsy found no signs of trauma that contributed to her death, but the cause and manner of death have not yet been determined.
Federal authorities have also become involved in the investigation. The Drug Enforcement Administration is assisting local investigators as they examine whether illegal or counterfeit prescription drugs played a role.
Investigators have reportedly been looking into how Panettiere may have obtained medications before her death. Authorities have also questioned people familiar with the circumstances surrounding the case.
Panettiere was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville on Aug 16. Emergency responders attempted to revive her before she was pronounced dead.
Her on-and-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, was present when emergency personnel arrived and provided authorities with a bag containing medications she had been taking, according to police records.
Hickerson’s attorney has said that Panettiere’s death remains under investigation and urged people to allow authorities to complete their work. The attorney also noted that police had found no indication of foul play.
Panettiere’s representative has similarly asked for patience while investigators await the results of toxicology testing and other examinations.
The actress had previously spoken publicly about her struggles with addiction, but the circumstances of her death have not been officially established.
Authorities have not announced a final cause or manner of death, and no conclusion about the source of any medication or its role in Panettiere’s death has been established.
Her representative said the answers surrounding her death would come once the investigation and testing were completed.
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