Authorities in Los Angeles conducted a welfare check at the West Hollywood apartment of actress Hayden Panettiere one week before her death in August 2026. A report from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department indicated that the check was requested after Panettiere had not been responding to calls from individuals in her circle. The report, which was redacted and did not name Panettiere, was confirmed by a source who stated that there were concerns for her well-being due to her unresponsiveness.
The welfare check was initiated after a 911 call was made at 10 PM on August 9, 2026. Panettiere was found to be unresponsive at a residence in South Carolina where her boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother were present. The source indicated that Panettiere had informed a friend that her phone had been taken by Hickerson after she had been hospitalized a week prior to her passing.
The report also detailed a previous incident involving deputies being called to the same residence the prior year regarding an unidentified man attempting to enter the home. Authorities advised the caller to change their locks and report any further incidents.
Panettiere's death was later ruled an accidental overdose involving fentanyl and other substances. A spokesperson for the Greenville County Coroner's Office confirmed that the manner of death was classified as an accident. Following her death, Hickerson provided police with a bag of medication belonging to Panettiere. Hickerson's lawyer stated that the investigation into Panettiere's death is ongoing and emphasized the importance of allowing it to proceed without further comment at this time.