Investigation into the death of the Hollywood star: Why did the police raid her home?
Authorities in the United States have deepened the investigation into the death of the 36-year-old actress and conducted a search of her home in Hollywood. The brother of her partner claimed that they found her unconscious and tried to save her using an anti-overdose medication. Panettiere's representatives spoke out against the rumors on social media and requested that information be provided to the police.
More than six federal agents raided the home of actress Hayden Panettiere in West Hollywood last Tuesday as part of the investigation into the circumstances of her sudden death. 36-year-old Panettiere was found dead on August 16 in a vacation apartment in South Carolina, presumably due to an overdose.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has officially joined the investigation. Agents of the agency entered the actress's residence equipped with a search warrant to scan the premises. The Greenville County Sheriff's Office updated that Panettiere's body was examined and no signs of violence were found, but the investigation into the official cause of death continues and it is still too early to determine with certainty that it was an overdose.
On the day of her death, Panettiere was staying in a rental apartment together with her partner, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach. According to what Zach stated, on Sunday he returned to the apartment, could not enter, and knocked hard on the door. After waking his brother, the two found the actress unconscious. Zach said that he immediately called the emergency center, while Brian injected her with Narcan, a medication used to treat opioid overdoses. The two performed resuscitation efforts under the guidance of the center until the arrival of rescue forces, who pronounced her dead at the scene. The police report noted that Narcan was found on a mattress inside the apartment.
The partner's lawyers clarified that the police have ruled out suspicion of foul play in her death, and noted that they are awaiting the results of the investigation and will refrain from further comments out of respect for the family. At the same time, Panettiere's representatives released a statement attacking the rumor mill surrounding the event. They called on anyone who possesses reliable information to contact law enforcement authorities instead of raising speculations on social media, and added that the inner circle is cooperating with investigators fully to ensure the truth is uncovered.
