The cause of death of actress Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in Heroes, Nashville, and the Scream franchise, has been officially confirmed more than a month after her death.
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The Greenville County Coroner’s Office determined that Panettiere died from the toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol, and quetiapine. The manner of death was ruled an accident.
Panettiere was 36 when she died on Aug. 16 in Greenville, South Carolina.
What caused Hayden Panettiere’s death?
According to the coroner’s findings, the actress had multiple substances in her system at the time of her death.
The substances identified were:
- Fentanyl — a powerful synthetic opioid.
- 4-ANPP — a chemical associated with fentanyl production.
- Alprazolam — commonly known by the brand name Xanax.
- Methocarbamol — a prescription muscle relaxant.
- Quetiapine — a prescription medication used for conditions including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder.
Authorities classified the combined toxic effects as the cause of death and determined that the death was accidental.
What happened on Aug. 16?
A 911 call was received at about 1:51 p.m. on Aug. 16 reporting a cardiac arrest at a Greenville residence where Panettiere had been staying.
An acquaintance made the emergency call. First responders found Panettiere unresponsive and attempted lifesaving measures. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Greenville police had previously said their preliminary investigation found no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.
The coroner’s investigation, including toxicology testing, subsequently established the official cause and manner of death.
A career that began when she was five
Panettiere began working as a child actor, appearing on the soap operas One Life to Live and Guiding Light.
She gained wider recognition after appearing in the 2000 film Remember the Titans before becoming internationally known as cheerleader Claire Bennet on NBC’s Heroes. She later starred as Juliette Barnes in ABC’s Nashville, a role that earned her two Golden Globe nominations.
Her film credits included Ice Princess, Bring It On: All or Nothing, Scream 4 and Scream VI. She returned to the Scream franchise in 2023 after stepping away from acting for several years.
Her final memoir
Panettiere had spoken publicly about her struggles with alcohol and drug addiction. In May 2026, she published her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, in which she discussed her childhood, life in Hollywood and personal struggles.
Her death came only months after the memoir was published.
The confirmation of the cause of death now closes the medical and coroner’s investigation into what happened to the actress, although the circumstances surrounding the individual substances and how they were obtained remain separate matters for authorities.
Panettiere’s death prompted tributes from colleagues and fellow actors, including members of the Heroes, Nashville and Scream casts.
Hayden Panettiere was 36.
