Updated

Updated · Yahoo News UK · Aug 20

Hickerson's Lawyer Urges Patience in Panettiere Death Probe at 36 as Police Find No Foul Play

Updated

Updated · Yahoo News UK · Aug 20

Hickerson's Lawyer Urges Patience in Panettiere Death Probe at 36 as Police Find No Foul Play

Q: Why is the DEA investigating Hayden Panettiere's sudden death if authorities claim there are no signs of foul play?

The DEA’s involvement does not mean investigators suspect murder. It more likely reflects that Panettiere’s death appears to be a possible drug-related death, which can require federal drug-enforcement help even when there are no signs of trauma or foul play. Authorities have said the initial autopsy found no visible injuries and no obvious signs of suspicious violence. But that does not establish the cause of death. The case remains open because toxicology and other forensic testing are still pending, and dispatch audio reportedly included responders discussing a possible overdose and cardiac arrest. Reports also said Narcan was found at the scene, and police noted a bag of medication Panettiere had been taking. In cases like this, the DEA may assist local police by tracing prescription drugs or illegal substances, checking whether any drugs were counterfeit or fentanyl-laced, reviewing supply chains, and helping determine whether anyone unlawfully provided controlled substances. That is different from proving foul play in the traditional sense. The key point is that “no signs of foul play” refers to the absence of obvious violent or suspicious physical evidence so far. It does not rule out an accidental overdose, a medication interaction, or a drug-distribution issue. Until toxicology results and the broader investigation are complete, officials are treating the death as unexplained rather than criminally suspicious.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo News UK · Aug 20

Sloan Ellis, attorney for Brian Hickerson, said Hayden Panettiere's death investigation is still active and that there will be no further comment while authorities proceed.
Greenville police and the county coroner have said Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive on Aug. 16 and that an autopsy found no trauma or other signs of foul play.
Police records cited by PEOPLE say Hickerson and his brother were at the Greenville residence when first responders arrived, and Hickerson showed officers a bag of medication Panettiere had been taking.
The death has renewed scrutiny of the couple's turbulent history: Hickerson pleaded no contest in 2021 to two felony counts of injuring a partner after Panettiere publicly described abuse following his 2020 arrest.