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The investigation into the death of Hayden Panettiere has reportedly turned into a cross-country investigation.
According to CNN, federal authorities are now looking into whether Panettiere “obtained illicit drugs from a dealer in Southern California.” At this time, the Drug Enforcement Administration and authorities in Los Angeles have questioned “several people” about the actress’s passing. Specifically, the investigation appears to be focused on whether she was “taking what was described as counterfeit oxycodone” at the time of her death. To note, the Los Angeles Times reports that such pills “have repeatedly been found laced with fentanyl.”
CNN adds that at this time, South Carolina’s Greenville County coroner has not released Panettiere’s autopsy report. Nor has the 36-year-old’s cause of death or manner of death been released. This, reportedly, because her toxicology results remain pending.
“Haydens death remains under investigation, and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed. As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play. Out of respect for Haydens loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time,” Sloan Ellis, a South Carolina attorney for Brian Hickerson, Panettiere’s boyfriend, reportedly told the press.
Social media users reacted to the investigation update regarding Hayden Panettiere’s passing in TSR’s comment section.
As The Shade Room previously reported, Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive in an apartment in the Judson Mill Lofts in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16. Per the Los Angeles Times, it was suspected that she had gone into cardiac arrest after a possible overdose. CPR was reportedly performed, and Narcan was administered to the actress at the scene. However, she was ultimately pronounced deceased.
Brian Hickerson was reportedly present when officers arrived and gave authorities a “bag of medications,” per the outlet. Per WYFF, Brian’s brother, Zach, was also present at the scene.
“I observed ZACH to be very emotional while EMS were working on HAYDEN. Brian did not become emotional until EMS declared her officially deceased,” the police report reads.
Per TMZ, Brian and Zach were recently arrested following a bar brawl, reportedly sparked by hecklers sharing comments about Panettiere’s passing.
“Its just super frustrating all that weve been through and all the rumors that get started, and then people believe them, and then they attack as a result of the rumors. Thats what pisses me off,” Zach reportedly told TMZ following the arrests.
The New York Post reports that Brian Hickerson has met with the DEA amid the investigation. However, it remains unclear what he has shared.
