The medical examiner has officially confirmed the cause of death for actress Hayden Panettiere, who passed away last month at the age of 36.
Panettiere died on Sunday, August 16, at a private residence in South Carolina. Her on-again, off-again partner, Brian Hickerson, was present at the scene when emergency medical services pronounced her dead.
According to the official coroner’s report released via Variety, Panettiere’s death was caused by acute toxicity involving a combination of illicit substances and prescription medications.
“The cause of death has been ruled as toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, Alprazolam, Methocarbamol and Quetiapine,” the official statement from the coroner read. The report added: “The manner of death has been ruled accident.”
Medical toxicology details the substances identified in the report: fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid; 4-ANPP is a chemical precursor utilized in the illicit synthesis of fentanyl; Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax) is a prescription benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders; Methocarbamol is a prescription muscle relaxant; and Quetiapine is an antipsychotic medication prescribed for mood management.
The official ruling brings administrative clarity to the sudden loss of the former child star and Golden Globe nominee, whose career spanned memorable leading roles on NBC’s Heroes and ABC/CMT’s Nashville. Panettiere’s sudden passing sent shockwaves through the entertainment community, prompting tributes from colleagues across the television and film industries.
An active federal investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration remains ongoing into the origin of the illicit substances found at the scene.
