More than two months after Hayden Panettiere’s death, police are sharing a new update on the investigation.
“Based on the medical examiner’s determination and the findings of the investigation, Hayden Panettiere’s death has been ruled accidental,” the Greenville Police Department in South Carolina said in a statement to Us on Wednesday, October 28. “The Greenville Police Department has concluded its investigation.”
The Nashville actress was found unresponsive at a house in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16. At the time, police said the preliminary investigation didn’t show any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.
One month later, Panettiere’s official cause of death at the age of 36 was revealed.
According to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, the Heroes actress’ cause of death was ruled as “toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, Alprazolam, Methocarbamol, and Quetiapine.” The manner of her death was determined to be an accident.
Panettiere was honored by family and friends during a private ceremony on September 19. Close to 80 people came together for an evening of music, memories, laughter and tears.
The ceremony, which was attended by several high-profile guests including Panettiere’s former Nashville costar Connie Britton, Evan Ross and Ruby Rose, saw guests sharing stories and memories as they reflected on Panettiere’s lasting impact on others.
“We all just bawled,” Britton, 59, told People in an interview published on October 13. “I’m finding solace and connection within the community of people who still remain.”
Since Panettiere’s death, her ex Wladimir Klitschko (who shares daughter Kaya, 11, with the late actress) has been taking legal steps to ensure their child is in good hands.
Klitschko, 50, filed for temporary guardianship of Kaya’s estate in September, as she is a minor and the sole inheritor of Panettiere’s estate. (The former professional boxer was later granted temporary guardianship of Panettiere’s estate during an October hearing.)
“Hayden was, although no longer my partner, an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya,” the retired athlete wrote via Instagram in August when paying tribute to his ex. “She built an incredible career through immense talent, while also facing the darker sides of a very demanding industry. Nothing will erase the times we shared or the place she had in our lives.”
He added, “To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was. … Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace. #WeLoveYouHayden.”
