Hayden Panettiere Died From Toxic Drug Combination, Autopsy Says

The cause of death has been released for Hayden Panettiere, who died Aug. 16 in Greenville, South Carolina.

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office said the Heroes and Nashville star’s death was caused by toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol and quetiapine, according to the autopsy report obtained by NBC News.

The actress’ death was ruled accidental, with the report saying there were no signs of trauma on her body.

Bill Bodner, former special agent in charge of the DEA’s Los Angeles Field Division, told NBC News the “incredibly dangerous” drug combination in the autopsy report is known as “holy trinity” on the streets.

According to the Pharmacy Times, the holy trinity typically includes at least one opioid, a benzodiazepine, and carisoprodol or similar muscle relaxer. The combination, also known as a “Houston cocktail,” causes an intense high.

Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive at an apartment complex where she had been temporarily staying.

A 911 call reporting someone in cardiac arrest came in at approximately 1:51 p.m. on Aug. 16, as previously reported.

“Overdose, CPR is in progress,” a dispatcher could be heard saying on an audio recording released to the media.

First responders attempted to revive her, but she was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Born in Palisades, New York, Panettiere began appearing in commercials as an infant and worked steadily throughout her childhood. She went on to land roles on daytime soap operas, before pivoting to primetime television shows and films.

Her movie credits included Remember the Titans, Raising Helen, Scream 4, Scream VI, the 2024 thriller Amber Alert, and Lifetime projects.

Panettiere was best known for portraying cheerleader Claire Bennet on NBC’s Heroes and country singer Juliette Barnes on ABC’s Nashville.

In May, she released her memoir titled This Is Me: A Reckoning about growing up in the spotlight, facing scrutiny by the tabloids, and her struggles with substance abuse.

She is survived by her parents and her daughter.