Story perspectives

Coroner Reports No Trauma as Panettiere’s Cause Pending

8/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Actress Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive at her Greenville, South Carolina home and pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m. on Aug. 16, 2024, aged 36.
First responders arrived at 1:50 p.m. ET and performed cardiac life support before pronouncing her dead.
The coroner reported no trauma, a cause of death pending, and dispatch audio referencing a suspected overdose.
Actress Hilary Duff, Singer Solange Knowles and boxer Wladimir Klitschko posted tributes expressing shock and grief.

History

Historical Context

River Phoenix, acclaimed actor, died of acute multiple drug intoxication at age 23 on October 31, 1993 outside the Viper Room, a West Hollywood club co-owned by Johnny Depp. His death forced a week-long closure and sparked intense media scrutiny, becoming a reference point for Hollywood’s debate on celebrity overdoses. The August 2024 overdose of actress Hayden Panettiere in Greenville revives those concerns.

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Story summary

Actress Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive at her Greenville, South Carolina home and pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m. on Aug. 16, 2024, aged 36.
First responders arrived at 1:50 p.m. ET and performed cardiac life support before pronouncing her dead.
The coroner reported no trauma, a cause of death pending, and dispatch audio referencing a suspected overdose.
Actress Hilary Duff, Singer Solange Knowles and boxer Wladimir Klitschko posted tributes expressing shock and grief.

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