Hayden Panettiere Death: Boyfriend Gave Narcan, CPR Before EMS Arrived

PUBLISHED Aug 22, 2026, 11:04 AM ET

Zach Hickerson said his brother Brian administered Narcan to actress Hayden Panettiere after they found her unconscious in Greenville, South Carolina, on Aug. 16, according to an account provided to TMZ. Zach said he called 911 and that he and Brian performed CPR until firefighters and emergency medical personnel arrived. Panettiere, 36, was pronounced dead at the residence after resuscitation efforts failed. A Greenville police incident report confirms Brian and Zach were present and said Brian showed officers a bag of medication Panettiere had been taking. Authorities have found no signs of trauma or foul play, but her official cause and manner of death remain undetermined pending toxicology and other testing. The Drug Enforcement Administration is assisting the investigation, according to sources cited by ABC News and PEOPLE. Panettiere, known for “Heroes,” “Nashville” and the “Scream” franchise, had publicly discussed addiction and personal struggles. She publicly discussed addiction and recovery. �

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 31
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 7
Neutral:: 23

Explain Framing

Left: Coverage emphasizes domestic abuse history, addiction, and entertainment-industry pressures. Center: Coverage emphasizes verified police findings, Narcan claims, and unresolved toxicology. Right: Coverage emphasizes family accusations, investigation questions, and skepticism toward speculation.