A preliminary police investigation has found no evidence of foul play or suspicious circumstances in the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, who was discovered unresponsive by an “acquaintance” in a South Carolina apartment on Sunday.
The 36-year-old Heroes and Nashville star was pronounced dead shortly after emergency personnel arrived at the scene, leaving law enforcement and coroner officials to determine what led to her sudden death.
Police confirm scene details at Judson Mill Lofts
Officers from the Greenville Police and emergency medical services responded to a 911 call on Sunday afternoon about an unresponsive woman.
A spokesman for the City of Greenville Police told Daily Mail: “On August 16, 2026, at approximately 1.51 pm, 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. The case is under investigation by the Greenville Police Department in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.”
Detectives said their initial findings do not suggest any criminal activity. Police confirmed that 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,” the spokesperson said.
The official cause of death will be determined following the coroner’s investigation.
Lead-up to the tragic discovery
Panettiere, who would have turned 37 on Friday, reportedly experienced physical discomfort before her trip.
The actress was seen flying out of Los Angeles on Saturday with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson. Sources told TMZ that Panettiere had recently been complaining of back pain before traveling south. Their relationship at the time of Panettiere’s death was unclear.
Family grieves another heartbreaking loss
The actress’s father, Skip Panettiere, and her representatives released a statement honoring her life and asking for privacy as they grieve.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. 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.”
This is the second loss for the Panettiere family in three years. In February 2023, Hayden’s younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, died at age 28 from an enlarged heart.
Panettiere is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, with former fiancé and retired heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko. Over her decades-long career, from child roles in A Bug’s Life and Remember the Titans to leading parts in Heroes and Nashville, she made a lasting contribution to film and television.
