Hayden Panettiere's Ex-Boyfriend Was Asleep as She Died, Police Investigate Possible Homicide

PUBLISHED Aug 20, 2026, 1:05 PM ET

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has joined the investigation into the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, who was found unresponsive at an apartment complex in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16 . She was 36. First responders arrived at approximately 1:50 p.m. and found her in cardiac arrest; she was pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m. . An autopsy completed on August 17 found no signs of trauma contributing to her death, and a cause has not been released . The Greenville Police Department is leading the investigation with the Greenville County Coroner's Office . A source familiar with the probe confirmed the DEA's involvement to NBC News, with multiple agents assigned to the case . The DEA typically investigates how a victim obtained drugs and whether laws were broken . Panettiere's boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, was at the scene and was reportedly asleep when his brother discovered her . Hickerson had a past relationship with Panettiere marked by domestic violence allegations . Toxicology results could take up to three months .

By James Porter | JQJO News

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Left: Coverage emphasizes domestic violence history and addiction as systemic issues. Center: Reporting focuses on official investigation, DEA involvement, and pending toxicology results. Right: Coverage highlights personal responsibility and the impact of celebrity lifestyle choices.