From NBC News · Tim Stelloh · · 2m
Hayden Panettiere died from accidental fentanyl overdose
The Heroes and Nashville star's death was caused by a dangerous combination of drugs including illegal fentanyl, authorities confirm.
In brief
The Heroes and Nashville star's death was caused by a dangerous combination of drugs including illegal fentanyl, authorities confirm. Hayden Panettiere died from an accidental overdose of multiple drugs including fentanyl, a combination known on the street as the Holy Trinity, with no signs of foul play. Originally…
Actress Hayden Panettiere found dead
The Heroes and Nashville star, 36, was found unresponsive at a South Carolina apartment complex on August 16 after a report of cardiac arrest.
Coroner rules death accidental overdose
The Greenville County Coroner's Office attributed her death to toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, Alprazolam, Methocarbamol and Quetiapine. There were no signs of trauma.
Evidence found at apartment
Investigators discovered blue pressed pills and a straw testing positive for fentanyl on a table, plus a white powdery substance in her suitcase.
The Holy Trinity drug cocktail
Three of the drugs found in her system form a street combination called the Holy Trinity: fentanyl, Methocarbamol and Alprazolam. Experts say this mix is incredibly dangerous.
“When used in combination, there's a synergism.”
Illegal fentanyl likely source
The presence of 4-ANPP, a precursor chemical used in illicit fentanyl manufacturing, suggests the fentanyl in her system was illegal rather than prescribed.
Recent rehab stay before death
Panettiere had checked into rehab just weeks before her death, according to the coroner's report. She had planned to celebrate her birthday in Greenville five days later.
Mother speaks on addiction struggle
Her mother, Lesley Vogel, said Panettiere was transparent about her addictions and made numerous rehab attempts. She never mentioned fentanyl use, her mother said.
“She was transparent with her addictions and her numerous rehab attempts show her resolve to live a healthy life.”
Boyfriend present at death scene
Brian Hickerson, her on-again, off-again boyfriend, was at the apartment complex and showed authorities a bag of medication he said she was taking.
DEA investigating final days
The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating how she obtained the drugs. Experts say investigators will reconstruct her final days using phone records and social media.
History of addiction and trauma
Panettiere detailed her struggles with addiction and postpartum depression in her memoir. She had a daughter with boxer Wladimir Klitschko in 2014 and gave him custody in 2018.
The big picture
Hayden Panettiere died from an accidental overdose of multiple drugs including fentanyl, a combination known on the street as the Holy Trinity, with no signs of foul play.
