DEA probes source of fentanyl-laced pill that killed 'Heroes' actress Hayden Panettiere, rep confirms investigation ongoing

From the Newshound archive · first published 19 September 2026.

The DEA searched Hayden Panettiere's Los Angeles home on 25 August in a bid to trace who supplied the fentanyl-laced oxycodone pill investigators believe killed her. Panettiere died on 16 August at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, aged 36, in what authorities called a suspected drug overdose. Her representative says toxicology results are still pending and that unnamed-source reports circulating online are "unverified hearsay." The rep pledged that "the answers we are all seeking will come."

Panettiere's on-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson, 37, was present when first responders arrived at the home and has now broken his silence, saying only: 'How do you think I'm doing?'

Hickerson's attorney said on 20 August that police confirmed no signs of foul play and that the death "remains under investigation."

Hickerson was handcuffed by police at a Greenville restaurant on Saturday after a clash with patrons who reportedly heckled him over Panettiere's death.