Story perspectives

Coroner Reports Hayden Panettiere’s Cardiac Arrest Death at 36

8/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hayden Panettiere died at 36 after being found in cardiac arrest, with no trauma.
She first used drugs at 16, taking a pill before a Heroes event.
Her memoir, released earlier, called the pill a gateway to addiction and noted postpartum depression.
Greenville, South Carolina coroner reported cardiac arrest and withheld cause pending additional tests.
Police said ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother Zack were present, with no wrongdoing alleged.

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Story summary

Hayden Panettiere died at 36 after being found in cardiac arrest, with no trauma.
She first used drugs at 16, taking a pill before a Heroes event.
Her memoir, released earlier, called the pill a gateway to addiction and noted postpartum depression.
Greenville, South Carolina coroner reported cardiac arrest and withheld cause pending additional tests.
Police said ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother Zack were present, with no wrongdoing alleged.