Hayden Panettiere Reportedly Took One Pill Believed to Be Laced With Fentanyl Before Death

American actress and singer Hayden Panettiere reportedly took a single pill believed to have been laced with fentanyl shortly before her death, according to reports citing sources familiar with the investigation.

Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16, 2026, and was pronounced dead after emergency responders attempted to revive her. Authorities previously said there were no signs of trauma, while the exact cause of death remains under investigation.

According to the latest reports, investigators believe the pill may have been oxycodone contaminated with fentanyl. Authorities are reportedly investigating the source of the drugs and have been looking into a possible drug supplier connected to Panettiere.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is also involved in the investigation, with officials in Los Angeles and South Carolina examining the circumstances surrounding the actress’s death. Her former partner, Brian Hickerson, has reportedly spoken with investigators.

Panettiere was best known for her roles in the television series *Heroes* and *Nashville*, as well as her appearances in the *Scream* franchise.

The actress had previously spoken publicly about her struggles with addiction and alcohol use. She also discussed those experiences in her memoir, *This Is Me: A Reckoning*, published earlier this year.

While reports have linked her death to a suspected overdose involving a fentanyl-laced pill, authorities have not yet released a final cause of death. Toxicology results are expected to provide further information as the investigation continues.