US drug agency investigating death of actress Hayden Panettiere

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has reportedly joined the investigation into the sudden death of American actress Hayden Panettiere, according to media reports citing sources familiar with the matter.

Panettiere, who gained fame for her roles in the television series "Heroes" and "Nashville," as well as the "Scream" film franchise, passed away at the age of 36 in Greenville, South Carolina. The DEA, a federal agency focused on combating drug trafficking and manufacturing, often participates in large-scale operations and assists local law enforcement in drug-related investigations. Notably, the DEA was involved in the inquiry into the death of actor Matthew Perry in October 2023.

The specific reasons for the DEA's involvement in Panettiere's case are not yet known. Initial police reports from the Greenville Police Department, responding to a call about an "unresponsive woman," stated that extensive resuscitation efforts were made before she was pronounced dead. The report indicated no signs of a crime or suspicious circumstances at the time.

Brian Hickerson, with whom Panettiere reportedly had a relationship, was the one who notified the police. His brother, Zach, was also present in the apartment. Hickerson reportedly showed officers a bag containing Panettiere's current medications, though details about the contents were redacted in the police report. Panettiere had publicly discussed her struggles with postpartum depression, addiction, and a difficult childhood as a young star in her recently released biography and interviews. She also spoke about her strained relationship with her mother and grief over the death of her younger brother in 2023.