DEA joins investigation into death of Hayden Panettiere in South Carolina
Federal drug agents joined Greenville police to investigate the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, who died at age 36 in a South Carolina apartment on 16 August 2026.
Emergency response in Greenville
Hayden Panettiere was found unconscious on 16 August 2026 inside a rented loft at the Judson Mill complex in Greenville, South Carolina. Zach Hickerson, the brother of Panettiere's on-off partner Brian Hickerson, arrived at the residence after attending church when neither person answered his phone calls or text messages. Zach knocked on the door and woke Brian from a sofa bed before both men discovered the 36-year-old actress unresponsive. Zach placed a call to emergency dispatchers while Brian administered Narcan, an emergency medication used to treat opioid overdoses, and both men performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation with dispatchers on speakerphone. First responders arrived at the scene and conducted life-saving measures for roughly 40 minutes before pronouncing Panettiere dead at 14:32 local time.
Statements from the Hickerson family
Zach Hickerson gave an interview detailing the sequence of events on 21 August 2026, which would have marked Panettiere's 37th birthday.
When we went in and tried to wake Hayden up for lunch, we realized she was unconscious.
Brian Hickerson issued a separate written statement through his attorney, Sloan Ellis, on 20 August 2026.
The investigation into Hayden's death continues and it is important to allow that investigation to take its course.
Panettiere's mother, Lesley Vogel, made public remarks addressing Brian's presence at the scene, stating that the person her family had tried to distance the actress from was with her when she died. Brian had previously suspended his social media accounts and did not answer officers during a welfare check on 19 August 2026.
Toxicology testing and federal agency involvement
The Drug Enforcement Administration joined the inquiry on 21 August 2026 to assist the Greenville Police Department. Police officers collected a bag containing medications from the apartment, which Brian Hickerson handed over to authorities during the initial emergency response. A preliminary autopsy conducted on 17 August 2026 showed no evidence of physical trauma or external injuries that contributed to the death. The Greenville County Coroner's Office indicated that establishing an official cause and manner of death depends on comprehensive toxicology screenings. Officials cautioned that laboratory analysis of blood and tissue samples will require several weeks before results become public.
- Panettiere is pronounced dead at a Greenville apartment following emergency resuscitation efforts
- Preliminary autopsy reveals no physical trauma as toxicology tests remain pending
- Police attempt a welfare check at a Hickerson family residence without receiving an answer
- Brian Hickerson releases a statement through his attorney urging patience during the inquiry
- The Drug Enforcement Administration joins the investigation to support Greenville police
Investigative findings and relationship background
Panettiere had traveled from Los Angeles to Greenville to spend time with Hickerson before her death. The couple maintained an intermittent relationship that began in 2018, during which Hickerson faced domestic violence charges resulting in a 2021 conviction in Los Angeles. In her May 2026 autobiography, Panettiere recounted past instances of domestic disputes and volatile behavior during their relationship. Greenville police stated that early investigative findings show no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident. Local detectives continue to examine medical records, emergency call logs and witness testimony while awaiting forensic results.
