Hayden Panettiere died without signs of violence, autopsy confirms, but cause remains unclear

Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in 'Scream' and the series 'Heroes' and 'Nashville,' passed away in South Carolina. Authorities are investigating her death, but initial reports indicate no signs of violence or suspicious circumstances. Emergency medical personnel responded to a call at a residence in Greenville on Sunday afternoon, where they found an unconscious woman. Emergency communication recordings suggest an 'overdose' and 'cardiac arrest' may have been involved.

Panettiere, who began her career as a child star, had been open about her past struggles with alcohol and drug addiction. She took a hiatus from the entertainment industry in 2016, returning in 2023 for 'Scream VI.' Her memoir, 'This Is Me: A Reckoning,' published in May, candidly discussed these challenges and the impact of growing up in Hollywood.

Fellow actors and celebrities, including Viola Davis and Melissa Barrera, have paid tribute to Panettiere. Her career spanned television and film, with memorable roles as Claire Bennet in 'Heroes' and Juliette Barnes in 'Nashville,' for which she received two Golden Globe nominations. She also appeared in films like 'Remember the Titans' and 'Scream 4.'