Authorities have ruled that the 36-year-old died from an accidental drug overdose. Photo / Getty Images
Panettiere’s on-again, off-again partner Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach, were at the property when emergency responders arrived. Earlier reports, citing sources familiar with the circumstances, said Zach Hickerson found the actor unresponsive while his brother was asleep in another room.
Investigators also discovered suspected drugs, prescription medication and drug paraphernalia inside the apartment.
The actor had spoken publicly about her struggles with addiction and mental health in recent years. Her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, published in May, detailed her experiences with substance abuse, domestic abuse and the pressures of growing up in the public eye. She had also discussed her battle with postpartum depression and efforts to seek treatment.
Panettiere had spent several weeks in a rehabilitation facility in Malibu shortly before her death, according to Page Six. Her father, Skip Panettiere, reportedly told investigators she had struggled with addiction since her early 20s.
Hayden Panettiere as Lizzie Spaulding in US soap opera Guiding Light. Photo / Instagram, thelocheroom
Panettiere began her career as a child actor, making her first on-screen appearance in a commercial at just 11 months old. She later became widely known for playing Claire Bennet in the television series Heroes and Juliette Barnes in Nashville.
Her film credits included Remember the Titans, Raising Helen, Ice Princess and Scream 4.
She is survived by her daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with former fiancé and Ukrainian boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko.