Greenville police and the Greenville County Coroner’s Office are investigating the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, 36, who was found unresponsive Sunday afternoon at an apartment complex where she had been staying temporarily.
Response, on-scene care and identification
Officers and emergency medical personnel responded at 1:51 p.m. to a report of an unresponsive woman at the Judson Mill Lofts, 701 Easley Bridge Road, according to a news release from local authorities. First responders initiated advanced cardiac life support measures, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:32 p.m.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as Hayden Leslie Panettiere, of California, and said the office responded to the scene and opened a parallel investigation with the Greenville City Police Department.
"On August 16, 2026, at approximately 1:51 PM, a 911 call was received regarding a reported cardiac arrest ... The decedent has been identified as Hayden Leslie Panettiere, 36, of California."
Autopsy findings and ongoing investigation
The coroner’s office said an autopsy was completed Monday and that it found no signs of trauma that would have contributed to the death. However, the agency added the cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and additional studies.
Police described the investigation as active and ongoing and said the preliminary findings have not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. Authorities have not released further details about the additional studies mentioned by the coroner.
Community reaction and scene
Local responders said an acquaintance of Panettiere placed the 911 call. In the hours after the announcement, fans began leaving flowers and notes at the entrance to the gated apartment complex where she was found. The complex is located within the city limits and has attracted attention from passersby and residents since the news became public.
Panettiere had a national profile as an actress, and her death has prompted expressions of grief and remembrance online and at the scene in Greenville. Authorities asked the public to respect the ongoing investigation and the privacy of those involved.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug. 16, 2026 | 1:51 p.m. — 911 call reported a cardiac arrest at 701 Easley Bridge Road; first responders arrived. |
| Aug. 16, 2026 | 2:32 p.m. — Individual pronounced deceased at the scene. |
| Aug. 17, 2026 | Autopsy completed; no signs of trauma reported; cause and manner pending further study. |
What officials have said
Local agencies have provided limited comments while investigative steps continue. The coroner’s release noted that a parallel investigation by the coroner’s office and Greenville City Police is underway. It also emphasized that additional studies are required before the cause of death can be determined.
- Time of call: 1:51 p.m. Sunday
- Pronounced: 2:32 p.m. Sunday
- Age: 36
- Location: Judson Mill Lofts, 701 Easley Bridge Road, Greenville
Investigators have not released the name of the acquaintance who called 911. No arrests have been announced, and police said their preliminary work has not suggested foul play.
Next steps
The coroner’s office indicated more tests are being completed before a final determination is made. Those results typically include toxicology and other laboratory analyses that can take several weeks to finish.
Greenville police asked anyone with relevant information to contact their tip line or the Greenville County Coroner’s Office. As the probe continues, officials urged members of the public to allow investigators to collect information and evidence without interference.
This office will update readers as new information is released by authorities.
Adrienne Calhoun is the State Correspondent at WE NEWS, covering Greenville and statewide developments.
