A new coroner’s office update has ruled out trauma as a contributing factor in Hayden Panettiere’s death. However, officials are yet to determine her exact cause of death.
The former Heroes and Nashville star was found unresponsive in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday, August 16, 2026. Local authorities confirmed that the investigation remains active as they await complete forensic results.
What the coroner’s office update actually says about the investigation
According to Entertainment Weekly, the Greenville County Coroner’s Office said first responders found Panettiere “unresponsive” and “in cardiac arrest” at about 1:51 p.m. local time. She had been temporarily staying at a residence in Greenville.
The coroner’s statement said, “EMS personnel initiated advanced cardiac life support measures; however, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and the individual was pronounced deceased at 2:32 PM (local time).”
Officials formally identified the actress as Hayden Leslie Panettiere, 36, of California. An autopsy was completed on Monday, August 17, one day following her death.
The statement reads, “The cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies. This investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details are available for release at this time.”
According to PEOPLE, dispatch audio from emergency responders referenced an apparent “overdose” and “cardiac arrest” call placed by an acquaintance at the scene. However, local law enforcement emphasized that no official cause of death has been confirmed and preliminary findings revealed no indications of suspicious circumstances or foul play.
In a statement released through a family representative, Panettiere’s father, Alan “Skip” Panettiere, requested privacy as the family grieves. He remembered his daughter as “an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her.”
Several stars, including Viola Davis, Bethany Joy Lenz, Selma Blair, David Arquette, and Melissa Barrera, have since paid tribute to the actress.
While trauma has been officially ruled out by investigators, the full coroner’s report will be finalized once additional studies are complete.
This article was originally reported by Surya Singh on ComingSoon.
