'That’s Completely Irresponsible': Nancy Grace Questions No Foul Play Ruling in Hayden Panettiere Case

Nancy Grace is taking a closer look at the circumstances surrounding Hayden Panettiere’s sudden death.

During the Wednesday, August 19, episode of her Crime Stories show, Grace, 66, questioned how authorities could initially rule out foul play while discussing the Heroes and Nashville star’s death at 36. Police have said their preliminary investigation found no suspicious circumstances, while the official cause and manner of death remain pending.

“When I find a dead body, I don’t just assume there’s no foul play,” Grace said. “That’s completely irresponsible.”

Grace then turned to Crime Stories investigative reporter Dave Mack and pressed him for more information about what happened inside the South Carolina residence.

“Who? What? Where? When? Why?” Grace asked. “Where was she found? When was she found? Give me the circumstances. What was found at the scene? Was anybody there? Help me out, Dave.”

Mack began walking Grace through the details that have emerged so far, including reports that Narcan was found on the bed and that the scene was described as "chaotic."

“One of the neighbors said the walls are so thin you could hear what was taking place and there was a lot of screaming and yelling back and forth,” Mack claimed.

Panettiere died on August 16 at a residence in Greenville, S.C. Emergency responders were called after a report of an unresponsive woman, and she was later pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy found no signs of trauma contributing to her death, while toxicology and other testing are still pending.

Her on-and-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were at the residence when emergency crews arrived, according to a police report. The brothers were also identified as the people who called 911.

According to the report, dispatch communications referenced a possible overdose and cardiac arrest. Brian also reportedly directed officers to a bag of medication that Hayden had been taking.

The actress had previously spoken publicly about her struggles with alcohol and substance use.

Hayden and Brian first began dating in 2018 and had a tumultuous relationship that continued on and off for several years.

Brian was previously arrested and convicted in connection with domestic violence involving Hayden and served jail time. She later discussed their relationship and her decision to forgive him in her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning.

Brian later addressed the situation through his attorney, Sloan Ellis.

"Hayden's death remains under investigation, and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed," Sloan told TMZ on his behalf. "As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play."

"Out of respect for Hayden's loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time," the statement concluded.

The investigation is continuing, with toxicology and other testing expected to help determine what caused Hayden's death.

The Drug Enforcement Administration is also assisting Greenville police with the case, according to ABC News.