Hayden Panettiere Found Dead at 36 in South Carolina Apartment

Residents of a luxury apartment complex in Greenville, South Carolina, were shocked to learn that actress Hayden Panettiere, best known for Heroes and Nashville, had died inside one of the units.

Police and emergency crews reportedly remained at the complex for hours on Sunday, August 16. A neighbor said residents initially had no idea the person who died was the 36-year-old actress. The apartment was reportedly being used as a short-term rental.

Authorities said a friend found Panettiere unresponsive and called 911. First responders attempted CPR and advanced life support, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have said there were no obvious signs of foul play, and an autopsy has been completed. Her official cause and manner of death have not yet been released, with toxicology testing still pending.

Reports also said Narcan was found inside the apartment, while dispatch communications reportedly referenced a possible overdose. However, authorities have not confirmed an overdose as the cause of death.

Panettiere had previously spoken publicly about struggles with alcohol and opioid addiction, as well as postpartum depression.

Her longtime on-and-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, was reportedly staying at the residence. Despite their troubled history, there has been no public indication that he was involved in her death.

Panettiere began acting as a child and became internationally famous as Claire Bennet on Heroes. She later starred as Juliette Barnes on Nashville and appeared in films including Remember the Titans, Scream 4 and Scream VI.

Her father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed her death and asked for privacy for the family.

Hayden Panettiere was 36.