What happened leading up to Hayden Panettiere’s death at Greenville’s Judson Mill Lofts

Hayden Panettiere was in Greenville, South Carolina before she tragically died, so here’s what we know about her final hours and what happened leading up to her death.

The Heroes and Nashville actress died on August 16, 2026, aged 36. She had travelled to South Carolina the previous day with her on-and-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, according to TMZ.

Hayden Panettiere flew from Los Angeles to South Carolina on Saturday, August 15. She was travelling with Hickerson, with whom she had an on-and-off relationship for several years. After arriving, the pair went to a home inside the Judson Mill Lofts apartment complex in Greenville. It’s been reported that the unit was an Airbnb, and that Hickerson and his brother were living there.

The trip itself had been described as private downtime away from the West Coast. But the precise personal reason for the visit has not been publicly confirmed.

‘I’m not sure she even ever left the apartment’

A resident of the apartment complex later told Page Six that Panettiere appeared to spend most, if not all, of her short stay inside the property.

“I was shocked, as I’m sure everyone in Greenville was, to find out she was here,” the neighbour said. “I don’t know that she was there long, and I’m not sure she even ever left the apartment.”

The neighbour added, “I can only speak for myself, but you know, I never saw her [and] I haven’t spoken to anyone else that said they have.”

Then, on Sunday, a 911 call was made. The emergency response began at around 1:51 p.m. on Sunday, August 16. According to 911 dispatch audio, an “unidentified female” at the address was reported to be in cardiac arrest. Minutes later, the dispatch information referenced an “overdose” and said that “CPR [was] in progress.”

An acquaintance of Panettiere placed the 911 call, according to Greenville police. A police spokesperson said, “Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered. However, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

Emergency responders arrived in two ambulances and attempted to revive the actress using advanced cardiac life support and chest compressions. But Panettiere was pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m. She was 36.

Police also said, “The case is under investigation by the Greenville Police Department in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.” They added, “The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.”

Hayden had also been dealing with health problems

In the months before her death, Panettiere had reportedly been dealing with significant health issues. Her hairdresser and close friend, Erick Orellana, told Page Six that she had “suffered severe back pain” earlier in the year.

Orellana described the pain as “really severe”, adding, “At one point, it was even hard for her to move her legs.”

Panettiere had also been photographed using crutches at Los Angeles International Airport in March. Orellana said she appeared to be improving at the time.

A second source said that Panettiere appeared tired at times and suffered from anxiety. “Earlier this year, she did seem a little tired at times. But she was a night owl, and… she has a lot on her plate,” the source said.

The source also claimed that Panettiere “suffered from anxiety at times” and would “occasionally take medication for that.” “And every so often that could impact her speech,” the source said.

What happened after she died?

Police remained at the Greenville apartment complex for several hours after Panettiere was pronounced dead. A neighbour saw two men sitting outside the apartment with police.

“They looked like they were in shock, not speaking, and had their heads down,” the neighbour said.

The resident could not confirm whether either man was Hickerson. Police eventually left the property at around 8 p.m., according to the neighbour. The coroner’s vehicle had also arrived at the complex.

Property managers later told residents that the incident “wasn’t anything criminal” and that there was “no reason for anyone to be scared.”

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office has since completed Panettiere’s autopsy. The officials said there were no signs of trauma that would have contributed to her death, but her cause and manner of death remained pending while additional studies were conducted.

“The investigation remains active and ongoing,” the coroner’s office said.

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