Hayden Panettiere Found Unresponsive as Police Share New Details on Her Death

More details are emerging following the tragic death of Hayden Panettiere at age 36.

The ‘Heroes’ and ‘Nashville’ star was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday, August 16, prompting an emergency response and an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding her passing.

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According to TMZ, an acquaintance called 911 at approximately 1:51 p.m. after finding Panettiere unresponsive.

Police and EMS arrived at the scene, where paramedics attempted to revive the actress using CPR and advanced cardiac life support. She was ultimately pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m.

Authorities say the preliminary investigation found no signs of foul play and that the circumstances did not initially appear suspicious. An autopsy is set to determine Panettiere’s official cause and manner of death.

Dispatch audio reportedly referenced both cardiac arrest and a possible overdose. However, no official cause of death has been established, and authorities have not confirmed that an overdose occurred.

The actress had traveled from Los Angeles to South Carolina the previous day with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson. TMZ also reports that she had complained of back pain during the past year.

Panettiere’s father, Alan “Skip” Panettiere, paid tribute to his daughter:

“She was 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.”

The former child star went on to build a decades-spanning career that included ‘Remember the Titans,’ ‘Heroes,’ ‘Nashville’ and the ‘Scream’ franchise.