Newly released 911 audio is giving the public its first raw window into the day Hayden Panettiere died. On August 16, Zach Hickerson, the brother of Panettiere’s on-and-off partner Brian Hickerson, called dispatchers after finding the actress unresponsive in a South Carolina Airbnb. The audio captures him in visible panic as a dispatcher calmly walks him through CPR until first responders arrive. Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:32 p.m. local time. She was 36 years old.
According to the medical examiner, Panettiere’s cause of death was the toxic effects of 4-ANPP, fentanyl, methocarbamol, alprazolam and quetiapine. Her death was ruled an accident, with no signs of contributing trauma. Her father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed the loss that same day, saying she was“an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her.”Hayden had spoken publicly about her opioid and alcohol addiction and her experience with postpartum depression, making her one of the few stars of her generation to address those struggles openly.
The release of the audio has reignited a larger debate about the fentanyl crisis and about whether recordings from someone’s worst moment should ever be made public. For many fans who watched her grow up on screen, the details only deepen the sense of loss.
If someone you love is struggling with addiction or their mental health, what’s one thing that helped you start the conversation? Share your thoughts with us.
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.