PHOTOSHayden Panettiere's Death: First Look at South Carolina 'Loft' Where Actress Was Found 'Unresponsive' After Suspected 'Overdose' — Photo

Hayden Panettiere was pronounced dead at just 36 years old.
Aug. 17 2026, Published 12:08 p.m. ET
Hayden Panettiere was pronounced dead after an alleged "overdose" and "cardiac arrest" on August 16 at a loft apartment in Greenville, S.C.
The 36-year-old appeared to travel from Los Angeles, Calif., to the southern state with her on-again-off-again partner, Brian Hickerson, on August 15.
An unnamed friend who was with Panettiere at the time called 911 to the South Carolina apartment complex.
According to police reports, officials "responded to a report of an unresponsive female. Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered; however, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene."

Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive in a South Carolina apartment complex.
A first look at the apartment complex where the Nashville actress passed away showed a dark, unassuming brick building with large white windows.
According to Greenville Online, the loft was part of a renovated old mill facility called the Judson Mill Lofts, just two miles from the city's downtown. It is unclear why the actress was visiting the state or who the loft belonged to.
Just two days prior, her former Nashville co-star Charles Esten took the stage at a venue within the apartment complex called The Foundry, according to Parade.
Why Was Hayden Panettiere in South Carolina?

Charles Esten starred alongside Hayden Panettiere in the hit series 'Nashville.'
Hayden Panettiere's 'Nashville' costar Charles Esten performed at the same complex where she passed away.
- 'Overdose': 911 Dispatch Audio Reveals Hayden Panettiere Was Found Dead at South Carolina Loft After Drug Induced 'Cardiac Arrest'
- 'No Signs of Foul Play': Hayden Panettiere Pronounced Dead at South Carolina Loft After 'Medical Assistance Administered' Failed to Revive Tragic Star
- Hayden Panettiere Said She 'Hoped to Leave the World a Better Place Than I Found It' During Final Public Appearance Months Before Her Tragic Death
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It is unclear whether Panettiere was visiting upstate South Carolina to watch her former costar's performance, though she was rumored to leave Los Angeles with Hickerson the day after the concert.
Hickerson and Panettiere had a tumultuous relationship from 2018 to 2022. In 2021, Hickerson served 45 days in prison for multiple domestic violence charges against the actress over the course of two years.
Her ex is originally from South Carolina and still has many family members in the state.
How Did Hayden Panittiere Die?

There were 'no signs of foul play' in Hayden Panettiere's death.
Despite her history with Hickerson, police stated there were "no signs of foul play" in the investigation into her death. Dispatch audio of the response made mention of "cardiac arrest" and an "overdose."
“The case is under investigation by the Greenville Police Department in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner's Office,” police stated.
“The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An acquaintance of Ms. Panettiere placed the 911 call," they concluded. "At this time, no further details are available for release."

Hayden Panettiere's father announced her death on the evening of August 16.
The star's death was announced by her father on the evening of August 16.
"It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden," Skip Panettiere said in a statement to ABC News. "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 on screen."
Hayden lost her life just three years after her brother, Jansen Panettiere, died suddenly at 28 due to an undiagnosed enlarged heart.


