Hayden Panettiere death investigation focuses on alleged drug dealer

Authorities are investigating the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, who died at age 36 on August 16 in Greenville, South Carolina. While the Greenville County Coroner reported no signs of physical trauma during the initial autopsy, the official cause of death remains pending toxicology results.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is reportedly investigating a connection to illegal drug activity. Investigators are examining a series of text messages between Panettiere and an alleged drug dealer in Los Angeles, which allegedly contained specific discussions regarding the purchase of black-market pills. There are reports suggesting Panettiere may have ingested an oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl shortly before her death.

Federal agents previously searched Panettiere’s Los Angeles residence for evidence of controlled substances. Her on-and-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, was present when she was found unresponsive and has met with officials, though he has not been named a suspect. Panettiere’s representative has urged caution, stating that recent media reports regarding the cause of death are unverified rumors and that the investigation is ongoing.