Autopsy shows Hayden Panettiere died from a drug overdose
An autopsy has confirmed that actress Hayden Panettiere died from an accidental drug overdose involving fentanyl, Xanax, and other medications. The report noted no signs of trauma, and authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.
Why it matters
The death of a prominent child star highlights the ongoing public health crisis regarding synthetic opioids and the specific vulnerabilities faced by individuals in the entertainment industry.
[Getty Images] Actress Hayden Panettiere died from the toxic effects of fentanyl, Xanax and several other drugs in her system, according to an autopsy completed by the Greenville County Coroner's Office in South Carolina.
The coroner's office said Panettiere's death was an accident and that no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to her death.
Panettiere died last month at the age of 36 after she was found unresponsive at a South Carolina residence.
The star of US TV shows Heroes and Nashville had spoken openly about her struggles with substance abuse.
The coroner's office also found methocarbamol - a prescription muscle relaxant - and quetiapine - an antipsychotic medication that is used to treat certain mental health conditions.
Drugs at their fingertips, intense pressure: Why child stars fall into addiction
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