An investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s death has officially concluded.
“Based on the medical examiner’s determination and the findings of the investigation, Hayden Panettiere’s death has been ruled accidental,” the Greenville Police Department in South Carolina said in a statement to Us Weekly. “The Greenville Police Department has concluded its investigation.”
The “Heroes” actress died on Aug. 16 from the toxic effects of fentanyl and other drugs, according to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, which similarly concluded her death was accidental. In addition to fentanyl, toxicology tests also detected alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax; the muscle relaxant methocarbamol; and quetiapine, which is a medication used to treat schizophrenia as well as bipolar disorder and, in some cases, depression.
It further noted the actress showed “no signs of trauma” that “would have contributed to the death.”
Panettiere was found in unresponsive and in “cardiac arrest” in an apartment at Judson Mill Lofts in Greenville that day, according to the coroner’s report. “EMS personnel initiated advanced cardiac life support measures; however, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and the individual was pronounced deceased at 2:32 PM.”
Her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach were there on the day she died. Neither of the men have been charged in connection with her death, which was subsequently confirmed by her father, Alan “Skip” Panettiere.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” he said at the time. “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.”
Panettiere’s loved ones and former costars gathered for a private celebration of life in Malibu on September 19, US Weekly reported at the time. Some 80 people attended, including Panettiere’s former Nashville costar Connie Britton and other celebs like Evan Ross and Ruby Rose.
“We all just bawled,” Britton told People earlier this month. “I’m finding solace and connection within the community of people who still remain.”