Hayden Panettiere death probe widens as DEA searches LA home

Hayden Panettiere’s death investigation has widened after the DEA searched her Los Angeles home nine days after her death for evidence of black-market drugs.

The investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s death has widened beyond South Carolina, with federal drug agents searching the actress’ Los Angeles home nine days after she died.

The Drug Enforcement Administration searched Panettiere’s home on August 25 as part of an investigation into whether black-market drugs played a role in her death, according to CNN. Investigators obtained a warrant to search the property for illegal narcotics and other evidence linked to controlled substances.

Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16. She was pronounced dead at the scene after first responders attempted to revive her. Her death remains under investigation and her official cause of death has not yet been confirmed by the coroner.

Why did the DEA search Hayden Panettiere’s home?

The federal search is reportedly part of an effort to establish whether Panettiere obtained drugs illegally before her death and, if so, where those drugs came from.

According to reports cited by CNN, investigators are examining possible links between Panettiere and a Los Angeles-based drug supplier. Authorities are also looking into communications that allegedly discussed the purchase of prescription drugs on the black market.

The investigation is therefore no longer confined to the circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death in South Carolina. Investigators are also examining activity in Los Angeles that could help establish the source of any drugs she may have taken.

People reported that the DEA was specifically looking for illegal narcotics, drug paraphernalia and prescription or recreational drugs during the August 25 search.

What happened to Hayden Panettiere?

Panettiere was found unresponsive in Greenville on August 16 and was in cardiac arrest when emergency responders arrived, according to reports.

Her on-and-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, was present around the time of her death. People reported that he provided investigators with a bag containing medications Panettiere had been taking. Narcan, the opioid overdose-reversal medication, was also reportedly found at the scene.

An autopsy conducted after her death found no trauma that contributed to her death. However, the Greenville County Coroner’s Office has said the official cause remains pending as investigators await toxicology results.

That distinction is important as reports about the possible role of fentanyl and other drugs continue to emerge.

Was Hayden Panettiere’s death an overdose?

Reports have increasingly focused on a possible drug overdose. TMZ, citing multiple law enforcement sources, reported that Panettiere may have taken an oxycodone pill that was allegedly laced with fentanyl on the day she died. Other outlets have subsequently reported on the possibility of fentanyl exposure.

However, the official cause of death has not been announced. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office has said the investigation remains active and toxicology results are still pending.

Investigation now spans Los Angeles and South Carolina

The DEA's involvement marks another development in what has become a cross-country investigation.

Authorities in South Carolina are investigating the circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death, while federal investigators in California are examining the possible source of drugs she may have obtained before travelling to South Carolina.

According to reports, investigators are also examining messages allegedly exchanged between Panettiere and a possible drug supplier. The focus is on determining whether those communications can establish how she obtained controlled substances and whether an illegal supplier may have been involved.

No suspect has been publicly identified in connection with Panettiere’s death, and the reported investigation into a possible drug supplier has not resulted in a publicly announced criminal charge.

Panettiere, best known for Heroes, Nashville and the Scream film franchise, was 36. She had spoken publicly in the past about her struggles with substance use and addiction.

Investigators are still trying to establish what happened in the final hours of her life, where any drugs involved came from and whether they played a role in her death. The official cause and manner of death remain pending.