Police investigating the death of actress Hayden Panettiere have ruled out foul play or suspicious circumstances, although authorities are still working to establish what caused the sudden death of the 36-year-old star.
Panettiere, who became a familiar face through her roles in “Heroes,” “Nashville” and the “Scream” franchise, died on Sunday in Greenville, South Carolina.
Emergency responders went to an apartment complex after receiving a call about an unresponsive woman and found the actress in cardiac arrest.
Despite efforts to revive her, she died at the scene.
What Police Have Discovered
The initial investigation has not uncovered anything to suggest that another person played a role in Panettiere’s death.
Authorities have also found no suspicious circumstances surrounding the actress’s final hours.
An autopsy found no trauma that contributed to her death, but the examination did not provide an immediate answer to the question of what caused it.
Officials are now waiting for additional testing before announcing the official cause and manner of death.
Reports surrounding the emergency call have raised questions about a possible overdose, but authorities have not confirmed that an overdose caused Panettiere’s death.
From Child Star to Hollywood Favourite
Panettiere started working in entertainment when she was a child, appearing in commercials and television productions before landing the role that would make her internationally famous.
In “Heroes,” she played Claire Bennet, a teenager who discovers that she can heal from serious injuries.
The role turned Panettiere into one of the most recognisable young stars on television and helped establish her as a major Hollywood name.
She later found another major role in “Nashville,” where she played country music star Juliette Barnes.
Her performance earned her two Golden Globe nominations and allowed her to showcase her singing alongside her acting.
Film audiences also knew her as Kirby Reed in “Scream 4.”
She returned to the character years later in “Scream VI,” giving fans one of her most popular roles another chapter.
She Had Recently Told Her Own Story
Panettiere had also become increasingly open about the difficult experiences that shaped her life away from the screen.
In her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” she discussed addiction, postpartum depression, motherhood and the pressures that came with growing up in the public eye.
Her willingness to speak about those experiences gave fans a more personal look at the woman behind the characters they had watched for years.
News of her death has since prompted tributes from former co-stars, friends and other Hollywood figures, many of whom remembered Panettiere for her talent and the energy she brought to her work.
She leaves behind her daughter, Kaya, while authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.