Hayden Panettiere died on Sunday, August 16, and just two days later, on Tuesday, August 18, it was revealed that her remains were ready to be released and her family had been notified. A representative for the Greenville County Coroner’s Office told TMZ that Panettiere’s parents, Lesley Vogel and Skip Panettiere, had been informed that “her body is ready to be turned over to them.”
Hayden Panettiere’s Autopsy & Toxicology Tests
The outlet also noted that the family has not chosen a funeral home, and for now, the “Heroes” star’s remains will stay at the coroner’s office. “Once the family picks a funeral home, then Hayden’s remains will be officially turned over to them, according to the rep,” TMZ reports.
Panettiere’s autopsy was completed on Monday, and the coroner released a statement informing the public. “An autopsy was completed today. At autopsy, no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death,” coroner Mike Ellis shared, People reports. “The cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies. This investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details are available for release at this time.”
The statement also shared details surrounding the circumstances of Panettiere’s death. “First responders and Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene and located a female in cardiac arrest,” it reads. “EMS personnel initiated advanced cardiac life support measures; however, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and the individual was pronounced deceased at 2:32 PM.”
An official cause of death has not been shared, and this is because the coroner is waiting on the results of a toxicology test. TMZ reports that the toxicology test will “usually take 8 to 12 weeks.” The outlet shared that testing includes “alcohol, medications and illicit and non-illicit drugs.” Narcan was found in Panettiere’s apartment.
A preliminary investigation had “not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances,” a police spokesperson told People.
Remembering Beloved Actress Hayden Panettiere
In the wake of the heartbreaking news of Panettiere’s passing, social media has been flooded with tributes from friends, colleagues, family, and fans. Among them is one from Alyssa Milano, who penned a touching reminder of all the beautiful things Panettiere did in her life. Other celebrities kept their tributes short but heartfelt, and some, like former Hallmark actress Tia Mowry, reacted to the news of her death with a single broken-heart emoji.
Panettiere’s father confirmed her death at age 36, in a statement to ABC News. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” he said. “She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen.”
Panettiere is remembered fondly for her roles in “Nashville,” “Heroes,” “Scream 6,” and “Bring It On.” At four, she landed her first major role in the soap opera “One Life to Live,” and was on “Guiding Light” from 1996 to 2000. However, her career began as a baby, when her mother signed her up with modeling agencies at just four months old, The Independent reports.
