Hayden Panettiere’s rep addressed the “unverified hearsay” that the actress died after consuming a single fentanyl-laced oxycodone pill.
“As reported yesterday by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, Hayden’s death remains under investigation pending the completion of toxicology results, despite reports from some outlets stating otherwise,” the “Heroes” alum’s rep said in a statement to Us Weekly.
“Recent reports attributed to unnamed sources are unverified hearsay and have attributed to conflicting information that continues to circulate,” the rep added.
“While we are all eager to find closure and better understand the circumstances surrounding her passing, we must remain patient and allow the investigative process to unfold. The answers we are all seeking will come.”
Earlier this week, TMZ reported that investigators believe Panettiere took an oxycodone pill that was laced with fentanyl — a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine — on the morning she died.
The outlet reported that the “Nashville” alum allegedly consumed several drugs she bought from a “long-time drug dealer” in Los Angeles on her flight to South Carolina the day before she died.
The years-long text conversations between Panettiere and the alleged drug dealer have become the focus of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s investigation into the actress’ death.
A federal law enforcement agency source told the outlet that “Bring It On: All or Nothing” star and her drug dealer “were very specific about purchasing black market pills.”
Last month, Panettiere’s Los Angeles home was searched by DEA agents who were looking for various drugs the actress may have been taking and testing them to see if any were laced with fentanyl.
On Aug. 16, Panettiere was found unresponsive by her boyfriend Brian Hickerson’s brother, Zach Hickerson, in a Greenville, South Carolina, Airbnb.
Brian performed CPR on his girlfriend and administered Narcan to her after she was discovered unresponsive.
Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene after EMS workers performed life-saving measures for nearly an hour. She was 36.
According to a police report obtained by Page Six, the “I Love You, Beth Cooper” star was taking a “bag of medication” at the time of her death.
If you or someone you care about is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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