Federal agents executed a search warrant at the West Hollywood residence of the late actress Hayden Panettiere on Tuesday, according to a source who spoke with US Magazine. The search comes as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death at the age of 36. Panettiere was found unresponsive on August 16 at an Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina. She had reportedly traveled to the location with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson.
Investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s Death Deepens
The presence of more than six federal agents at Panettiere’s home was witnessed by an individual who was in the building at the time. This individual confirmed that the agents were operating under a warrant to search the premises. The specifics of what investigators were seeking or if anything was recovered have not been publicly disclosed.
Panettiere was pronounced dead on August 16 in Greenville, South Carolina. Reports indicate that Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were present at the scene when emergency services arrived. Zach Hickerson has provided a statement to TMZ, aiming to clarify his role in the events leading up to his brother finding Panettiere unresponsive.
Timeline of Events on August 16
According to Zach Hickerson’s account, the plan for the day involved lunch and indoor golfing. He stated that he was returning from church services and attempted to contact Panettiere and his brother via text and calls, but received no response. Assuming they were resting, he drove to the Airbnb. Unable to enter without the door code, he knocked loudly, which he claims woke Brian Hickerson from a nap they were taking on a pull-out couch.
Upon entering the living area, Zach Hickerson stated they attempted to wake Hayden Panettiere for their planned lunch. It was at this point they discovered she was unconscious. Zach Hickerson reported immediately calling 911 while Brian Hickerson administered Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. Both brothers then reportedly performed CPR on Panettiere while on a speakerphone with emergency dispatchers until Fire and EMS personnel arrived.
“At that point we watched as they tried every measure possible to save her life,” Zach Hickerson stated, describing the efforts of the first responders. Emergency workers officially declared Panettiere deceased at 2:31 PM on Sunday, August 16.
Official Findings and Ongoing Inquiries
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that a post-mortem examination has been completed. Initial findings indicated no signs of physical trauma on Panettiere’s body. The chief deputy coroner, Shelton England, noted that it was premature to confirm or deny theories regarding a drug overdose, stating that further investigations are necessary to establish the official cause of death.
A responding police officer observed paramedics performing CPR on an unresponsive woman upon arrival at the residence. The police report noted that the patient did not exhibit obvious physical reasons for being unresponsive. Narcan was reportedly found on a mattress within the South Carolina property.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has reportedly joined the investigation into Panettiere’s death, signaling a potential focus on illicit substances. However, officials have not yet released definitive conclusions.
Statements from Representatives and Attorneys
Brian Hickerson’s attorney, Sloan Ellis, issued a statement on behalf of his client. “Hayden’s death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” the statement read. “As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play. Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”
A representative for Hayden Panettiere also released a statement to Us Weekly, addressing the widespread speculation following her death. “Many people who were not close to Hayden are using her death as an opportunity to fuel gossip and speculation about a situation they knew very little about,” the statement read. “It is deeply disrespectful to her memory and to those who knew and loved her and are actively grieving this tremendous loss.”
The representative urged individuals with genuinely helpful information pertinent to the investigation to come forward to law enforcement, rather than engaging in public speculation on social media. The statement emphasized that critical details surrounding the actress’s death have yet to be publicly revealed and that those closest to Panettiere are cooperating fully with authorities to ensure the truth emerges and justice is served.
Conclusion
The investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s death is ongoing, with federal agents now involved in searching her home. While initial reports suggest no signs of foul play, the exact cause of death remains undetermined pending further investigation. Authorities and representatives of the late actress have called for patience and respect for the grieving process, while also encouraging the submission of any pertinent information to aid the inquiry.
