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Hayden Panettiere’s rep speaks out amid Panettiere’s death investigation
“The answers we are all seeking will come,” Panettiere’s rep said in a statement to PEOPLE
Panettiere died on Sunday, Aug. 16, at 36
Hayden Panettiere‘s rep is speaking out amid the investigation into her death, one month after she died.
In a statement obtained by PEOPLE on Wednesday, Sept. 16, a rep for Panettiere, who died on Aug. 16 at age 36, confirmed the investigation into her sudden death remains ongoing.
“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 statement reads. “Recent reports attributed to unnamed sources are unverified hearsay and have attributed to conflicting information that continues to circulate.”
“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 statement continued. “The answers we are all seeking will come.”
Hayden Panettiere in 2024
Credit: Tyler Patrick Kenny
The statement comes after the Greenville County Coroner’s Office told FOX Carolina on Monday, Sept. 14, “We have not released anything at this time. We will send out an email release when ready.”
The statement comes one day after a source told PEOPLE that agents with the Drug Enforcement Agency secured a warrant to search for evidence of illicit narcotics and conducted a search at Panettiere’s Los Angeles home nine days after the Nashville actress’ death.
In August, a source told PEOPLE that the DEA was involved in the investigation. Panettiere was found unresponsive in Greenville, South Carolina, on Aug. 16, just days before her 37th birthday. First responders administered “medical assistance” upon arrival at the residence, but Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hayden Panettiere
Credit: Storm Santos
Panettiere’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, was with her when she died, as was his brother, Zach Hickerson. A police report obtained by PEOPLE revealed that Brian showed police to a “bag of medication” the late actress was taking.
Sloan Ellis, an attorney for Hickerson, urged against drawing conclusions while the investigation remained ongoing in an Aug. 20 statement.
“Hayden’s death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” Ellis said. “As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play. Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”
On Aug. 17, a source told PEOPLE that Narcan — a treatment designed to rapidly reverse the effects of a life-threatening opioid emergency — was found at the residence.
In a press release shared on Aug. 17, the Greenville County Coroner’s Office said that an autopsy had been completed and “ signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death.” Coroner Mike Ellis noted that it could take up to three months for all autopsy results to be obtained.
The investigation into Panettiere’s death “remains active and ongoing,” Ellis said.
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