Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive inside a South Carolina apartment on Sunday, August 16, before emergency responders attempted to revive her, according to newly reported details from the 911 call.
The Heroes and Nashville star died at 36, just five days before her 37th birthday. A friend or acquaintance reportedly discovered her and contacted emergency services around 1:50 p.m. Police have said there were no initial signs of foul play, while the official cause of death remains pending.
According to reports citing the emergency call, the person who contacted 911 described an “unresponsive female” and reported an apparent cardiac arrest. Paramedics subsequently performed advanced cardiac life support, including resuscitation efforts, but Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 2:32 p.m.
What Did The 911 Caller Report About Hayden Panettiere?
The 911 call was reportedly made at around 1:51 p.m. after Panettiere was found unresponsive inside a Greenville, South Carolina, residence. The caller identified an unresponsive woman and reported what appeared to be cardiac arrest, according to reports on the dispatch audio. Emergency crews were then sent to the property.
The identity of the person who made the call has not been publicly confirmed. Police have described the individual who found Panettiere as an acquaintance.
Reports have also noted that Panettiere had travelled to South Carolina with her on-and-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson shortly before her death. However, it has not been confirmed that Hickerson was the person who found her or placed the 911 call.
Where Was Hayden Panettiere Found Unresponsive?
Panettiere was found inside an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, where she had reportedly been staying after travelling from Los Angeles. The circumstances surrounding what happened inside the residence remain under investigation. Authorities have not publicly established what caused her death.
Her death was confirmed by her family on Sunday, with her father, Skip Panettiere, describing her as an “incredible light” and a force of nature who brought love and joy to those around her.
What Happened When Paramedics Arrived?
Emergency responders attempted to save Panettiere after she was found unresponsive. According to reports, paramedics administered advanced cardiac life support, which can involve CPR, breathing assistance, medication and other emergency interventions. Despite those efforts, Panettiere was pronounced dead at approximately 2:32 p.m.
The preliminary details have led to reports describing the incident as an apparent cardiac arrest. However, that should not be treated as Panettiere’s confirmed medical cause of death until the coroner’s findings are released.
Has Hayden Panettiere’s Cause Of Death Been Confirmed?
No. While the 911 call reportedly described an apparent cardiac arrest, authorities have not yet announced an official cause of death.
The Greenville County coroner’s investigation and autopsy are expected to provide additional information. Police have also said there were no initial signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.
Some reports have discussed an apparent overdose based on dispatch information, but that too should not be presented as a confirmed cause of death at this stage. An official determination remains pending.
What Did Police Say About Her Death?
Police have indicated that there were no obvious signs of foul play. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not publicly suggested that another person caused Panettiere’s death. The circumstances surrounding the 36-year-old actress’ death are expected to become clearer once the medical examination and other investigative procedures are completed.
Her death was initially announced without a cause, with Panettiere’s representative confirming that the investigation was ongoing. Reuters also reported that no cause of death had been disclosed when her death was confirmed.
Was There Any Sign Of Foul Play?
According to the preliminary police investigation, there were no signs of foul play. That does not mean the investigation has concluded. Authorities are still working to determine the circumstances and official cause of death.
The distinction is particularly important given the speculation surrounding Panettiere’s previous struggles with substance use. Her past addiction has been widely documented, but there is currently no official finding establishing that it contributed to her death.
Who Was With Hayden Panettiere Before Her Death?
Panettiere had reportedly travelled from Los Angeles to South Carolina with Brian Hickerson shortly before her death. Hickerson and Panettiere had a complicated on-and-off relationship that received significant media attention. He was previously convicted in connection with domestic violence involving the actress and served time in jail.
However, reports have not established that Hickerson was the person who found Panettiere. Police have only publicly referred to the person who discovered her as an acquaintance.
What Health Struggles Had Hayden Panettiere Previously Revealed?
Panettiere had been unusually open about her struggles in the final years of her life. Earlier in 2026, she released her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, in which she discussed addiction, postpartum depression, abusive relationships and the pressures she experienced while growing up in Hollywood.
She had previously revealed that she struggled with alcohol and opioid addiction and entered rehabilitation as she worked toward recovery. She also spoke publicly about experiencing postpartum depression following the birth of her daughter, Kaya, in 2014.
In a 2022 interview, Panettiere also recalled being introduced to pills as a teenager, saying she had been given what she described as “happy pills” before a red-carpet appearance. She later connected her early exposure to substances with her addiction struggles.
Hayden Panettiere’s Legacy
Panettiere began working in entertainment as a baby, appearing in commercials before moving into television and film. She became widely known as Claire Bennet on Heroes, which premiered in 2006, before taking on the role of Juliette Barnes on Nashville. Her performance on the country-music drama earned her two Golden Globe nominations.
Her film credits included Remember the Titans, Ice Princess, Bring It On: All or Nothing, I Love You, Beth Cooper, Scream 4 and Scream 6. She also voiced characters in animated projects including A Bug’s Life.
