Hayden Panettiere’s ‘cause of death revealed’ after actress’ death aged 36

Her cause of death was a mystery

Panettiere died aged 36 on 16 August after she was found responsive at her home.

Speaking to TMZ, law enforcement sources said that she allegedly took oxycodone laced with fentanyl.

She was provided with several black-market prescription drugs, including oxycodone, by a drug dealer in Los Angeles, the TMZ reported.

It is alleged that Panettiere took several drugs that she had purchased during her flight from Los Angeles to South Carolina.

As per TMZ, on the morning of her death she allegedly took the oxycodone, which authorities are said to believe was laced with fentanyl.

While toxicology reports are still pending, according to the American news outlet, working theory within law enforcement is that it was the suspected fentanyl-laced oxycodone pill cause her death.

What was said immediately after Panettiere's death

The actress’ representatives confirmed her death last month.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen”, her father Skip said in a statement.

Her autopsy showed “no signs of trauma” at the time of her death, according to confirmation by the coroner’s office.

Panettiere's film and TV career spanned three decades with several roles in other hit series and films.

Earlier in 2026, she released a memoir titled This Is Me: A Reckoning.

In it, she recounted the struggles of growing up as a child actor and her experiences with addiction, abuse and later recovery.

Panettiere was a mother to daughter Kaya, whom she shares with former fiancé, Ukrainian former boxer Wladimir Klitschko.