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Autopsy Finds No Trauma as Cause of Death Pending

8/20/2026

24 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Hayden Panettiere Dies

Hayden Panettiere, 36, died of cardiac arrest on August 16, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
Coroner Mike Ellis said the August 17 autopsy found no trauma, leaving cause pending.
EMS performed cardiac life support but could not revive her, pronouncing death at 2:32 PM.
Police reported ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother were present and Hickerson gave a bag of medication.
Toxicology results, expected in 8–12 weeks, will determine cause of death.

Summary

Hickerson Violates Order

Brian Hickerson pleaded no contest in 2021 to two felony counts of injuring a partner.
He received 45 days jail, four years probation, domestic-violence classes and a five-year protective order.
Despite the order, Hickerson entered Panettiere’s apartment on Aug. 16, violating it.
Panettiere’s 2026 memoir recounts addiction and depression.
Police statements urged callers to use the 988 mental-health hotline or visit 988lifeline.org.

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Hayden Panettiere Dies

Hayden Panettiere, 36, died of cardiac arrest on August 16, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
Coroner Mike Ellis said the August 17 autopsy found no trauma, leaving cause pending.
EMS performed cardiac life support but could not revive her, pronouncing death at 2:32 PM.
Police reported ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother were present and Hickerson gave a bag of medication.
Toxicology results, expected in 8–12 weeks, will determine cause of death.

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