Authorities are reportedly investigating whether a single pill containing suspected fentanyl played a role in the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, as the probe increasingly focuses on the person believed to have supplied the drugs.
Panettiere, who died in South Carolina on August 16 at the age of 36, is believed to have met with a longtime drug supplier in Los Angeles before traveling to the state. According to reports, investigators are examining whether a pill believed to be oxycodone was contaminated with fentanyl.
Sources familiar with the investigation say Panettiere may have taken only one pill on the day of her death. However, the substance reportedly contained fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid. Authorities have not yet officially confirmed the exact cause of death, with toxicology testing still pending.
The investigation has now expanded between Los Angeles and South Carolina, with federal authorities reportedly looking into the possible source of the drugs involved. Investigators are said to be increasingly focused on a potential supplier connected to Panettiere.
Her former partner, Brian Hickerson, was traveling with her and was also present at the South Carolina residence where she was found unresponsive. Hickerson has since spoken with DEA officials as part of the investigation, although authorities have not identified him as a suspect.
Police have previously indicated that medications were found at the residence. Some details concerning the specific medications were withheld from the public version of the police report.
Panettiere, best known for her roles in “Heroes” and “Nashville,” had been open about her long struggle with addiction. In her memoir This Is Me: A Reckoning, published earlier this year, she discussed her experiences with alcohol and opioid addiction, as well as postpartum depression following the birth of her daughter, Kaya, in 2014.
The actress had previously spoken about being introduced to pills while she was still a teenager and working in Hollywood. She later described how substance use became increasingly difficult to control as she grew older.
Panettiere also wrote about the serious impact alcohol had on her health. At one point, she developed jaundice and was warned by doctors that continued drinking could have severe consequences for her liver.
Her death was initially reported as a possible overdose after she was found unresponsive in a South Carolina residence. An autopsy found no signs of trauma, while authorities said there was no immediate indication of foul play. The official cause of death remains pending further investigation and toxicology results.
