Millions of fans are mourning Hayden Panettiere after the heartbreaking news that she passed away at the age of 36 on August 16. With new details emerging, it’s been revealed that she traveled from Los Angeles to South Carolina just one day before her sudden death, spending her final hours inside an apartment where emergency crews would later rush to save her.
The “Heroes” and “Nashville” actress, 36, was found unresponsive Sunday afternoon inside a residence at the Judson Mill Lofts in Greenville. She had been temporarily staying at the property, which Page Six confirmed was an Airbnb.
What we know about her final day
Panettiere had flown to South Carolina on Saturday with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson. Sources told TMZ that Hickerson and his brother were living in the apartment, but it’s unclear who was inside when Panettiere was found.
A neighbor told Page Six she appeared to spend most, if not all, of her brief stay inside the unit. They said they were “shocked” to find out she was there. “I don’t know that she was there long, and I’m not sure she even ever left the apartment, they told the outlet.
They said they never saw her leave the home, and “haven’t spoken to anyone else that said they have.”
The Greenville Police Department said an “acquaintance” of Panettiere placed the 911 call. According to dispatch audio, someone called for help around 1:51 p.m. after she was found in cardiac arrest. Dispatchers also referenced a possible overdose and said CPR was underway.
Two ambulances were sent to the property, according to TMZ. The emergency vehicles arrived with stretchers, but ultimately left without transporting anyone from the residence.
© GettyIt has not been confirmed why multiple ambulances were dispatched or whether anyone besides Panettiere was believed to be in distress.
Emergency responders attempted to revive Panettiere with advanced cardiac life support and chest compressions, but their efforts were unsuccessful. She was pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m.
TMZ also reported that Narcan, a medication commonly used to reverse opioid overdoses, was found on a mattress at the scene. It has not been established whether the medication was administered to Panettiere or someone else.
The neighbor also described seeing two men outside the residence with police following Panettiere’s death. While they couldn’t identify if it was Hickerson and his brother, they told Page Six, “They looked like they were in shock, not speaking, and had their heads down.”
Her complicated relationship with Hickerson has been part of her story for years. The pair were first linked in 2018, and their relationship was riddled with multiple domestic violence incidents.
© MEGAHickerson ultimately pleaded no contest to two felony counts involving Panettiere and was sentenced in 2021 to 45 days in county jail, four years of probation and domestic violence classes. He was also subject to a five-year restraining order.
Police remained at the property for several hours, with authorities leaving around 8 p.m. Authorities have also stressed that there were no initial indications of foul play or suspicious circumstances.
Property managers later informed residents that the incident was not considered criminal and that there was no reason for residents to be afraid.
Autopsy update
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office has since completed Panettiere’s autopsy. Officials said no signs of trauma were found that would have contributed to her death, but her cause and manner of death remain pending as additional studies are conducted, per Page Six.
“The investigation remains active and ongoing,” the coroner’s office said.
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