Hollywood actor Hayden Panettiere [EPA]
Hollywood actor Hayden Panettiere [EPA]

The death of Hayden Panettiere, 36, known for her roles in the US series "Heroes" and "Nashville," has been ruled accidental.

The Greenville County coroner's office in South Carolina determined that Panettiere, who died last month, died accidentally from a drug overdose involving fentanyl and other substances, The New York Times and other outlets reported Tuesday (local time).

According to the coroner, four drugs were detected in Panettiere's system: fentanyl, alprazolam, methocarbamol and quetiapine.

Alprazolam is a generic form of Xanax and is used as an anti-anxiety medication, while methocarbamol is a generic version of Robaxin, a muscle relaxant. Quetiapine is used to treat bipolar disorder and depression.

Experts said the combination of multiple drugs likely caused the fatal overdose, with fentanyl playing a central role.

Forensic pathologist Dr. Kendall von Crowne said that when fentanyl is used alongside alprazolam, methocarbamol and quetiapine, it "becomes a lethal combination that can lead to death, and this is something commonly seen in many cases."

Panettiere was found unresponsive in an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, on Aug. 16.

One of the last people to see her alive was her ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson, who along with his brother Zach Hickerson called 911 after she collapsed.

Brian Hickerson's presence — he has a prior domestic violence conviction — prompted speculation online, but investigators found no signs of trauma and no criminal charges were filed.

The coroner's office said the autopsy found "no evidence of trauma that would have contributed to the death."

Panettiere rose to fame playing Claire Bennet, a cheerleader with regenerative abilities, in "Heroes" — a series following people with superhuman powers — and country music star Juliette Barnes in "Nashville."

"Heroes" aired on South Korean broadcast television in 2007, making Panettiere a well-known figure to Korean audiences as well.

If you're thinking about self-harm or suicide, dial the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 109 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).


bbo@heraldcorp.com