AP: Report reveals Hayden Panettiere released from rehab weeks before death

GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Associated Press reports Hayden Panettiere was released from a drug rehabilitation facility weeks before her overdose death.

Panettiere, 36, of California, died from an accidental overdose involving multiple prescription medications and fentanyl, according to findings released by the coroner.

The Associated Press reports Panettiere was released by the facility in Malibu, California, based on a coroner’s report they obtained.

Toxicology report

An autopsy conducted by a board-certified forensic pathologist revealed no signs of contributing trauma, the coroner said.

Toxicology testing determined the official cause of death to be the toxic effects of the following:

• Fentanyl
• 4-ANPP (another type of fentanyl)
• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Methocarbamol (muscle relaxer)
• Quetiapine (antipsychotic)

Panettiere’s manner of death was ruled an accident. With the cause and manner established, the coroner’s office administratively closed its case.

Danger of fentanyl

The Phoenix Center in Greenville, which helps people recovering from alcohol and drug abuse, said even a small amount of fentanyl can be dangerous.

“Fentanyl can be really dangerous because it’s hard to detect often times visually and just a small amount of fentanyl can lead to an overdose or accidental overdose,” said Sophie Finnell, community engagement and fundraising liaison for the Phoenix Center.

The report found no signs of trauma on Panettiere.

Finnell also described the medical use of fentanyl.

“Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, which means it’s been manmade to reduce very severe pain. So it has it’s use in medical settings for severe pain situation,” Finnell said.

Police investigation continues

The coroner’s office initiated a parallel investigation with the Greenville Police Department following the initial emergency response on Aug. 16. Panettiere was found unresponsive inside an apartment at the Judson Mill Lofts, located at 701 Easley Bridge Road, where she had been temporarily staying.

Dispatchers received a 911 call reporting a woman in cardiac arrest at approximately 1:51 p.m. First responders and EMS personnel arrived on scene and initiated advanced cardiac life support measures. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and Panettiere was pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m.

On Tuesday, the Greenville Police Department stated that while the coroner’s report represents one key component, their independent investigation has not been closed.

“Our detectives will continue to follow leads and gather information as we work toward resolving this case,” the department said.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said in order to “protect the integrity of ongoing investigative work, DEA does not comment on specific investigations.”

FOX Carolina has reached out to Panettiere’s and Brian Hickerson’s publicists for comment.

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