A little over two months after Hayden Panettiere died at the age of 36, law enforcement has shared a definitive update regarding the investigation into her passing. In a statement provided to PEOPLE, Sgt. Diana Munoz of the Greenville Police Department in South Carolina confirmed that the investigation into the actress’ death has been officially completed, with the death ruled as accidental.
Panettiere passed away suddenly on Aug. 16 after being discovered unconscious in an Airbnb by her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach. Despite immediate efforts by the brothers and responding emergency personnel to resuscitate her, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office previously released findings on Sept. 22, identifying the cause of death as the toxic effects of a combination of substances, including fentanyl, 4-ANPP, Alprazolam, methocarbamol, and Quetiapine. Following the incident, representatives for the late actress urged the public to remain patient, stating, “While we are all eager to find closure and better understand the circumstances surrounding her passing, we must remain patient and allow the investigative process to unfold.”
While reports had surfaced suggesting that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had joined local authorities in the investigation—including a reported search of her residence for illicit substances—no charges have been filed against anyone, including Brian Hickerson or his brother, in connection with her death. Authorities have now closed the case, providing a final conclusion to the inquiry.
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