Skip PanettiereHayden PanettiereGreenville County Coroner's OfficeGreenville Police Department

Hayden Panettiere, Heroes and Nashville actress, dies at 36; death under investigation after apparent overdose

Hayden Panettiere, the beloved actress known for her roles in 'Heroes' and 'Nashville,' has died at 36. Authorities in Greenville, South Carolina, are investigating her death, which appears to be linked to an overdose, though no foul play is suspected, according to police reports.

Rolling Stone Rolling Stone17 August 2026 · 13:30 UTC
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Hayden Panettiere, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in 'Heroes' and 'Nashville', tragically passed away at the age of 36. Police in Greenville, South Carolina, responded to reports of an unresponsive female on Sunday afternoon. Upon arrival, they administered medical assistance, but Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene around 2:30 p.m.1

According to police, the case is currently under investigation by the Greenville Police Department and the Greenville County Coroner's Office. A preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. Dispatch audio revealed discussions of an “overdose” and “cardiac arrest” around the time of her death.35

A representative for Panettiere stated, “I don’t have any more information at this time, but it’s looking as though that is the case.” First responders reportedly attempted to resuscitate her using CPR and advanced cardiac life support.24

Her father, Skip Panettiere, expressed his grief, stating, “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.” He requested privacy for the family as they process this unimaginable loss.

Key Insight
“Dispatch audio obtained by TMZ indicated officials discussed an overdose and cardiac arrest around the time of her death. A representative told People, "It's looking as though that is the case," though no further information was available.”
Actor Hayden Panettiere dies at age 36, US media reports
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Actor Hayden Panettiere dies at age 36, US media reports
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Rolling StoneRolling Stone
“Police in Greenville, South Carolina, “accompanied by EMS personnel, responded to a report of an unresponsive female” Sunday afternoon, according to a statement given to . “Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered; however, the individual, later identified as , was pronounced deceased at the scene.””
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