Hayden Panettiere Death Probe Focuses on Suspected Fentanyl-Laced Pill

Authorities investigating the death of actress Hayden Panettiere are examining whether she took a counterfeit oxycodone pill that may have been laced with fentanyl, according to reports citing people familiar with the investigation.

Panettiere, 36, died on Aug 16 after she was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest at a temporary residence in Greenville, South Carolina. She was pronounced dead after emergency responders attempted to revive her.

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office has not yet officially determined her cause or manner of death. An autopsy found no signs of trauma that would have contributed to her death, while toxicology testing remains pending.

Federal authorities, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, are investigating the source of drugs that may have been involved. Investigators are reportedly looking into whether Panettiere obtained prescription medication from a suspected drug dealer in Los Angeles before travelling to South Carolina.

Reports have described one of the pills under investigation as counterfeit oxycodone that may have contained fentanyl. Counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl can pose a serious overdose risk because users may not know what substances they contain.

The investigation has also involved questioning people connected to Panettiere and examining evidence related to the medications found after her death.

Her former boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, was present at the residence when she died. Police have said there were no signs of foul play, and Hickerson has not been identified as a suspect in the death investigation.

Hickerson’s attorney has urged people to allow authorities to complete their investigation rather than draw conclusions before the official findings are released.

Panettiere, best known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, had spoken publicly about her struggles with addiction and recovery. Her death has prompted renewed attention to the risks posed by illicit and counterfeit prescription pills.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death, with the official toxicology results expected to help determine what caused her death.