The investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s sudden death has reportedly expanded to her California home. More than six federal agents searched the late actress’ West Hollywood residence on Tuesday after arriving with a warrant, according to a witness who was inside the building. The development comes as authorities continue investigating Panettiere’s death at age 36, with the Drug Enforcement Administration now reportedly involved in the probe.
A source told Us Weekly that the agents entered Panettiere’s West Hollywood building and searched her residence pursuant to a warrant. It remains unclear which federal agency executed the warrant, what investigators were searching for or whether anything was removed from the property. Authorities have also not publicly identified Panettiere as the subject of any criminal investigation.
A search warrant generally permits investigators to examine a specific location for evidence described in the warrant. Its execution does not, by itself, establish that anyone committed a crime. The search represents the latest development in the investigation surrounding Panettiere’s death at an Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina.
Hayden Panettiere Was Found Unresponsive At An Airbnb
The “Heroes” actress was found unresponsive on August 16 while staying at the rental property with her on-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson. Brian’s brother, Zach Hickerson, was also at the residence when emergency services were called.
Zach later issued a statement to TMZ explaining that he wanted to “clarify my involvement” in what happened. According to Zach, the three had planned to have lunch and go indoor golfing after he attended church. He said he called and texted Panettiere and Brian after the service but did not receive a response.
Believing they were asleep, Zach drove back to the Airbnb. However, he claimed he could not initially enter because he did not have the code for the door. “I knocked loudly which apparently woke Brian up from a nap they were both taking on the pull out couch bed in the living room. When we went in and tried to wake Hayden up for lunch, we realized she was unconscious,” he said.
“I immediately called 911 and Brian gave her Narcan. We then jointly performed CPR while 911 was on speaker until Fire and EMS arrived,” he added. “At that point we watched as they tried every measure possible to save her life.”
Brian Hickerson Reportedly Administered Narcan
Narcan, the brand name for naloxone, is commonly used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Authorities reportedly found Narcan on a mattress inside the Airbnb. However, Panettiere’s official cause of death has not been released, and authorities have not confirmed that she died from an overdose.
According to a police report, an officer responding to the residence encountered Brian and Zach before seeing paramedics perform CPR on Panettiere. “The patient did not seem to have any obvious physical reasons to be unresponsive,” the officer noted.
After lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful, Panettiere was pronounced dead at 2:31 p.m. The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office said a post-mortem examination had been completed and no signs of trauma were found on her body.
Chief Deputy Coroner Shelton England told the Daily Mail that it was still too early to discuss speculation that an overdose caused the actress’ death.
DEA Reportedly Joins Investigation Into Actress’ Death
The DEA has reportedly become involved in the ongoing investigation, although authorities have not disclosed what prompted the agency’s participation. The DEA’s involvement, combined with the search of Panettiere’s California home, suggests investigators are examining circumstances that extend beyond the South Carolina Airbnb. However, no arrests or criminal charges connected to the actress’ death have been announced.
It has also not been confirmed whether the agents who searched Panettiere’s West Hollywood residence were affiliated with the DEA.
Hayden Panettiere’s Representative Condemns Online Speculation
Panettiere’s representative has also spoken out against the rumors circulating since 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 representative told Us Weekly. “It is deeply disrespectful to her memory and to those who knew and loved her and are actively grieving this tremendous loss.”
The statement indicated that Panettiere’s inner circle is cooperating with authorities and believes the public does not yet have a complete understanding of what happened. “There is much more to this story than what is currently being discussed publicly, and those closest to Hayden are actively cooperating with the ongoing investigation to help ensure that the truth comes to light and that justice is properly served,” they said.
The investigation remains active as authorities await findings that could establish Panettiere’s official cause and manner of death.
