Hayden Panettiere’s Death: Coroner Releases New Details

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office has released new details following the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, who was found unresponsive at a home in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday, August 16.

An autopsy was completed Monday, but officials said the cause and manner of death have not yet been determined.

“An autopsy was completed today. At autopsy no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death,” Greenville County Coroner Mike Ellis said in a statement. He added that further investigation and additional medical studies are still needed.

According to the coroner’s office, emergency responders were called at about 1:51 p.m. Sunday after Panettiere was found unresponsive inside a residence where she had been temporarily staying. She was in cardiac arrest when first responders arrived.

Emergency medical workers performed advanced life support, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Panettiere was pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m.

The Greenville Police Department also confirmed that officers and EMS personnel responded to a report of an unresponsive woman shortly before 2 p.m. Police said a preliminary investigation had found no evidence of foul play or suspicious circumstances.

A representative for Panettiere confirmed her death Sunday night in a statement issued on behalf of her father, Alan Panettiere.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” the statement said. “She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen.”

According to reports, a friend of the actress called 911 after discovering the medical emergency. Dispatch audio obtained by PEOPLE included references to an overdose and cardiac arrest, although authorities have not publicly determined whether an overdose played a role in her death.

Panettiere began acting as a child, appearing on the soap operas One Life to Live and Guiding Light. She later became widely known for roles in Remember the Titans, NBC’s Heroes, Scream 4, Scream 6 and the ABC drama Nashville.

She was also open about her personal struggles. In her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, Panettiere discussed growing up in the public eye, addiction and other difficult experiences.

“I’ve grown so much from my experiences,” she told PEOPLE in 2024. “I hope that this opportunity to further elaborate on that journey may provide a little comfort for those who have faced similar challenges.”

Panettiere is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, whom she shares with former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko.

The investigation into Panettiere’s death remains active. Officials said additional studies will be completed before a final cause and manner of death are announced.