NEWS'No Signs of Foul Play': Hayden Panettiere Pronounced Dead at South Carolina Loft After 'Medical Assistance Administered' Failed to Revive Tragic Star
Police said there were 'no signs of foul play' surrounding Hayden Panettiere's shocking death on August 16.
Aug. 17 2026, Published 7:35 a.m. ET
Hayden Panettiere's shocking death continues to attract scrutiny after the police revealed crucial details regarding the circumstances surrounding her death.
The actress was found “unresponsive” by the authorities, who responded to the scene after receiving a 911 call from an acquaintance describing her as such on the afternoon of Sunday, August 16.
Although what led to her death remains a mystery at the time, preliminary investigation has led the police to believe that there were “no signs of foul play,” per Daily Mail.
'Medical Assistance' Failed to Revive Hayden Panettiere
Hayden Panettiere was 36 at the time of her tragic death.
The Golden Globe-nominated actress was reportedly at an apartment block in Greenville, South Carolina, where she passed away at the age of 36.
The authorities and the coroner's office are investigating her untimely demise.
Per the outlet, Panettiere had been traveling with her longtime on-again and off-again partner Brian Hickerson over the last weekend, with reports suggesting they flew out of Los Angeles on Saturday.
The former couple had a volatile relationship from 2018 to 2020, with Hickerson being arrested and jailed in 2020 on charges of domestic abuse against Panettiere, per The Sun.
He reportedly spent only one day of his 45-day jail term. The two allegedly reconnected in 2021; however, another physical altercation occurred between them at a West Hollywood bar.
Police said 'medical assistance' failed to revive Hayden Panettiere.
The police gave a statement to Daily Mail on Monday, August 17, “On August 16, 2026, at approximately 1.51 p.m., officers from the Greenville Police Department, accompanied by EMS personnel, responded to a report of an unresponsive female at Judson Mill Lofts, located at 701 Easley Bridge Road.”
“Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered; however, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene,” they continued.
“The case is under investigation by the Greenville Police Department in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner's Office,” they added.
“The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An acquaintance of Ms Panettiere placed the 911 call. At this time, no further details are available for release,” they stated in conclusion.
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Hayden Panettiere's Father Gave a Heartbreaking Statement After Her Death
Hayden Panettiere's father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed the news of her death.
Panettiere's father, Skip Panettiere, first broke the news of his daughter's passing.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” he 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,” he continued.
The grieving father also asked for privacy, “as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss.”
Hayden Panettiere said earlier this year that she had a lot to live for.
Hayden’s brother, Jansen Panettiere, also passed away in 2023 due to “an enlarged heart.” He was only 28 at the time of his death.
The Hollywood star previously opened up about dealing with the devastating loss along with her own mental health struggles and substance abuse problem during her appearance on the “On Purpose with Jay Shetty” podcast earlier this year.
“I finally feel like I have shaken off all of this darkness and this negativity,” she said at the time.
“I’ve closed one door and another door is opened … I can feel all the exciting possibilities. I feel like I have a lot more life to live,” she added.
