‘No signs of foul play’ relating to Hayden Panettiere’s death, police say

Police rule out foul play in Hayden Panettiere's death

Police in Greenville, South Carolina, said there were “no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances” relating to the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, who died on Sunday at the age of 36. The former Heroes and Nashville star was found unresponsive in her home at Judson Mill Lofts, located at 701 Easley Bridge Road, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to a statement from the Greenville police department, officers responded on August 16, 2026, at approximately 1:51 p.m., accompanied by EMS personnel, to a report of an unresponsive female. An acquaintance of Panettiere placed the 911 call. Medical assistance was administered upon arrival, but the actress was pronounced deceased. The statement said the case is under investigation by the police department in conjunction with the Greenville County coroner’s office, and that the preliminary investigation “has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.”

A postmortem completed by the coroner’s office found that “no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death.” The cause and manner of death have not been confirmed.

Family and friends react

A representative for Panettiere confirmed her death, saying her family would remember her as an “incredible light” who brought “immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her.” Her father, Skip Panettiere, issued a statement expressing “profound sadness” at the “tragic passing” of his “beloved Hayden,” calling her “an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her – and to the millions who watched her onscreen.” He asked that the family be given privacy as they “take time to process this unimaginable loss.”

The Irish Times reported that Panettiere’s father made these comments, while USA Today noted that her father confirmed her death in a statement shared by her representative.

Wladimir Klitschko, the former boxer and the father of Panettiere’s daughter Kaya, said on Tuesday that his family was “going through a time of profound shock and grief.” Klitschko’s statement was carried by The Irish Times.

Tributes and reflection

Tributes have come from colleagues and co-stars. Alyson Stoner, who voiced the character Kairi in the Kingdom Hearts video game series, shared an emotional video tribute, recalling working with Panettiere and her late brother, Jansen Panettiere. Mariska Hargitay, who worked with Panettiere on Law & Order: SVU, paid tribute on social media. Ethan Suplee, who starred alongside Panettiere in Remember the Titans, published an essay on his Substack in which he recalled her jumping into his arms at the film’s premiere. Justin Chatwin, who worked with her on the film Sleepwalker, said Panettiere seemed isolated during filming in late 2025.

Panettiere began acting as a child, appearing in soap operas before gaining wider recognition for her role in the 2000 sports drama Remember the Titans. She voiced the character Dot in the 1998 Pixar film A Bug’s Life and later played cheerleader Claire Bennet in Heroes. She starred as country singer Juliette Barnes for six seasons on Nashville, a role that earned her two Golden Globe nominations and produced 11 entries on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. Her film credits include Bring It On: All Or Nothing (2006), Raising Helen, and appearances in Scream 4 and Scream VI as Kirby Reed.

Panettiere had previously spoken about struggling with addiction throughout her 20s. In a memoir published earlier this year, she opened up about her struggles with mental health, the loss of her younger brother Jansen, and her decision to give full custody of her daughter Kaya to Klitschko in 2018.

Investigation and unanswered questions

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death. A 911 call obtained by Reuters, TMZ and other outlets revealed cardiac arrest after a possible overdose, as reported by USA Today. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office said it could take up to three months for autopsy and toxicology reports to be completed. On August 18, a representative for the coroner’s office told TMZ that Panettiere’s body was ready to be released to her family.

USA Today also reported that police conducted a welfare check at the home of Brian Hickerson’s family on August 19. Hickerson, Panettiere’s on-and-off boyfriend since 2018, has had a tumultuous relationship with the actress, including allegations of physical abuse that led to jail time for domestic violence. According to a police report obtained by USA Today, Hickerson and his brother Zach were on the scene and called 911. The report described emotional reactions, and Brian showed police a “bag of medication” Panettiere was allegedly taking.

Panettiere’s estranged mother, Lesley Vogel, told NBC News that her family was “trying to get rid of” Hickerson and that he was with Panettiere at her death. Vogel managed Panettiere’s career from when she was a baby until she ended their working relationship at 19.

Perspectives

Police and coroner: The preliminary investigation has not indicated foul play or suspicious circumstances; the postmortem found no signs of trauma contributing to death. The cause and manner of death remain unconfirmed pending toxicology.

Family: Both the representative and Panettiere’s father expressed profound sadness and remembered her as a light and force of nature, while also asking for privacy. Her mother, Lesley Vogel, raised concerns about Hickerson’s presence at the time of death.

Former partner: Wladimir Klitschko said his family is going through profound shock and grief.

Co-stars and colleagues: Tributes from Alyson Stoner, Mariska Hargitay, Ethan Suplee, and Justin Chatwin highlighted her talent and personal struggles.