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DEA Joins Investigation Into Hayden Panettiere’s Death

8/20/2026

Summary

DEA Joins Probe

The Drug Enforcement Administration joined the Greenville investigation into Panettiere’s death.
A Los Angeles judge denied Hickerson’s request to reduce his felony domestic-violence convictions on Aug. 13, 2026.
Officers executed a search warrant at the apartment and reviewed CCTV of the Hickersons entering.
Police performed a welfare check at Hickerson’s grandmother’s home, knocking twice before leaving without contact.
The Greenville County coroner’s office said toxicology results could take two to three months.

Summary

Panettiere Fatal Overdose

Officers found Hayden Panettiere unresponsive at Judson Mill Loft Apartments on August 16, 2026.
She was pronounced dead at 2:31 p.m.
Police conducted a welfare check at Brian Hickerson’s family home in Greenville, South Carolina.
First responders treated her for suspected overdose and cardiac arrest, administering Narcan and life support.
Brian Hickerson gave officers a bag of medication he said belonged to Panettiere; specific drugs undisclosed.

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DEA Joins Probe

The Drug Enforcement Administration joined the Greenville investigation into Panettiere’s death.
A Los Angeles judge denied Hickerson’s request to reduce his felony domestic-violence convictions on Aug. 13, 2026.
Officers executed a search warrant at the apartment and reviewed CCTV of the Hickersons entering.
Police performed a welfare check at Hickerson’s grandmother’s home, knocking twice before leaving without contact.
The Greenville County coroner’s office said toxicology results could take two to three months.

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