Federal authorities are investigating the death of actor Hayden Panettiere, focusing their efforts in Los Angeles. They are examining if Panettiere acquired nonprescription pills from a local dealer.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and local investigators have questioned several individuals about the events leading to her death on August 16. Sources indicate that she may have consumed counterfeit oxycodone, which often contains fentanyl. Fentanyl can be lethal in small doses.
The investigation is similar to those conducted after the deaths of actor Matthew Perry and rapper Mac Miller. In those cases, criminal charges were filed against the individuals who supplied drugs to the deceased.
TMZ reported that investigators are considering the possibility that Panettiere took a pill containing fentanyl. However, the Greenville County coroner has stated that toxicology testing is still underway, and the cause of death is not yet determined.
When paramedics and police arrived, Panettiere was in cardiac arrest. Dispatch recordings indicate a possible overdose, and Narcan was administered in an attempt to revive her. She was pronounced dead at 2:31 p.m.
At the scene, Panettiere’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, provided authorities with a bag of medications. While Panettiere lived in Los Angeles, Hickerson is from Greenville. South Carolina attorney Sloan Ellis, representing Hickerson, emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and confirmed no signs of foul play.
Previous cases involving Perry and Miller resulted in convictions for those who supplied Perry with ketamine and Miller with cocaine and fentanyl-laced oxycodone. Perry’s death led to multiple guilty pleas from associated individuals.
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