Hayden Panettiere’s autopsy has been completed as investigators work to determine what caused the 36-year-old actress’s sudden death in Greenville, South Carolina. The autopsy found no visible injuries or trauma that contributed to her death, according to FOX Carolina, which cited Greenville County Coroner Mike Ellis. Her official cause and manner of death remain pending while additional testing is conducted.
The completed autopsy comes as investigators examine new evidence from the residence where Panettiere was found unresponsive Sunday. According to TMZ, Narcan was discovered inside the apartment, with the device reportedly used to administer the medication found on a mattress. Narcan is used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. However, authorities have not determined publicly whether the medication was administered to Panettiere or another person at the residence.
The overdose possibility also surfaced during the emergency response. Greenville dispatch audio included responders discussing a possible “overdose” and stating that “CPR is in progress.” Authorities said an acquaintance made the 911 call at approximately 1:51 p.m. after Panettiere was found unresponsive. Emergency responders arrived and attempted to save her before she was pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m.
The initial emergency call involved a woman in “cardiac arrest.” The outlet says epinephrine was used during the response and that paramedics attempted resuscitation efforts. Earlier reporting described those efforts as “advanced cardiac life support.” Despite the growing amount of evidence surrounding the scene, none of it has established an official overdose as Panettiere’s cause of death.
That distinction is important as interest in the autopsy intensifies. The presence of Narcan and references to an “overdose” provide investigators with additional information to examine, but toxicology and other studies could be necessary before the coroner determines what ultimately caused her death. The completed examination did rule out one major concern, with officials reporting no trauma that contributed to her death.
Police have also said their preliminary investigation has found no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.
Panettiere became widely known for playing Claire Bennet on “Heroes” before starring as Juliette Barnes on “Nashville.” She had also publicly discussed struggles with alcohol addiction, depression, and substance abuse. Still, those past struggles do not establish the tragic events that happened Sunday.
