Overview
- The actress, 36, was found unconscious at an apartment in Greenville and died on Sunday, August 16 after emergency responders attempted resuscitation.
- A preliminary autopsy reported no signs of traumatic injury and the medical examiner is awaiting toxicology and ancillary tests that can take weeks to complete.
- Brian Hickerson, an intermittent partner with prior domestic‑violence convictions involving Panettiere, was at the residence when she was found and gave officers a bag of her medications.
- Greenville police have opened a criminal line of inquiry and conducted welfare checks at addresses linked to the Hickerson family while investigators collect evidence and interview witnesses.
- Panettiere had recently spoken publicly about addiction, postpartum depression and past abuse in her memoir, and her family has urged privacy as authorities continue the active investigation.