Greenville Police Keep Hayden Panettiere Case Open Despite Accidental Overdose Ruling

Key points

• Greenville Police stated the investigation is still open, clarifying that a closed status in dispatch records only refers to the initial 911 call, not the broader case.
• The coroner determined Panettiere died from the toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol, and quetiapine, with no signs of trauma.
• Brian Hickerson, her on-off boyfriend, reported finding her unresponsive and administering nasal Narcan without success before calling emergency services.
• The Drug Enforcement Administration is assisting the Greenville Police Department in the ongoing inquiry.
• Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive at an Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16, and was pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m.

Background

This development follows the August 17, 2026, announcement that authorities were investigating Panettiere's death after she was found unresponsive. In late August, her mother indicated that a narcotics investigator had joined the probe. On September 23, the Greenville County Coroner officially ruled the death accidental, citing the toxic effects of multiple substances, which closed the initial phase of the investigation but did not end police scrutiny.

How outlets are covering it

Page Six emphasizes that the police investigation remains active despite the coroner's accidental ruling, highlighting the distinction between a closed 911 call and an ongoing case. Variety focuses on the specific toxicological findings, listing the five substances involved and confirming the lack of foul play. CNN provides broader context on how investigators build criminal cases from overdose deaths, though it does not offer new details on Panettiere's specific case in the provided text. All sources agree on the timeline and the coroner's findings, but Page Six uniquely reports on the DEA's involvement and the police department's clarification regarding the case status.

Why it matters

The continued investigation into a high-profile celebrity death underscores the complexity of determining cause of death in cases involving multiple substances. It highlights the distinction between medical rulings and legal inquiries, ensuring that all circumstances are thoroughly examined even after an accidental determination is made.

What to watch

The Greenville Police Department will continue its investigation with assistance from the DEA. No further public updates are expected until the case is officially closed, though the focus remains on understanding the circumstances surrounding the overdose.